keep

K0028900 (kēp)v. kept, keep·ing, keeps v.tr.1. To retain possession of: kept the change; must keep your composure.2. To have as a supply: keep spare parts in case of emergency.3. a. To provide (a family, for example) with maintenance and support: "There's little to earn and many to keep" (Charles Kingsley).b. To support (a mistress or lover) financially.4. To put customarily; store: Where do you keep your saw?5. a. To supply with room and board for a charge: keep boarders.b. To raise: keep chickens.6. To maintain for use or service: an urbanite who didn't keep a car.7. To manage, tend, or have charge of: Keep the shop while I'm away.8. To preserve (food).9. To cause to continue in a state, condition, or course of action: tried to keep the patient calm.10. a. To maintain records or entries in: keep a yearly diary.b. To enter (data) in a book: keep financial records.11. a. To detain: was kept after school.b. To restrain: kept the child away from the stove; kept the crowd back with barriers.c. To prevent or deter: tried to keep the ice from melting.d. To refrain from divulging: keep a secret.e. To save; reserve: keep extra money for emergencies.12. To adhere or conform to; follow: keep late hours.13. To be faithful to; fulfill: keep one's word.14. To celebrate; observe: keep the Sabbath.v.intr.1. To remain in a state or condition; stay: keep in line; keep quiet; kept well.2. To continue to do: keep on talking; keep guessing.3. To remain fresh or unspoiled: The dessert won't keep.4. To restrain oneself; hold oneself back: I couldn't keep from eavesdropping.n.1. Care; charge: The child is in my keep for the day.2. The means by which one is supported: earn one's keep.3. a. The stronghold of a castle.b. A jail.Phrasal Verbs: keep at To persevere in work or an action. keep down1. To prevent from growing, accomplishing, or succeeding: keep the revolutionaries down.2. To hold under control or at a reduced level: Keep your voice down.3. To refrain from vomiting: Although seasick, I managed to keep my food down. keep off To stay away from. keep to To adhere to: keep to the original purpose. keep up1. To maintain in good condition: kept up the property.2. To persevere in; carry on: We asked her to stop talking, but she kept it up. To preserve or sustain: kept up the appearance of friendship.3. To continue at the same level or pace: The snow kept up all day.4. To continue to pay off (a financial obligation).5. To match one's competitors, colleagues, or neighbors in success or lifestyle: couldn't keep up with his friends who went into business.6. To remain adequately informed: loved to keep up on the gossip.Idioms: for keeps1. For an indefinitely long period: gave the ring to me for keeps.2. Seriously and permanently: We're separating for keeps. keep an eye on1. To watch over attentively; mind.2. To watch closely or carefully: keep your eye on the ball. keep an eye out To be watchful. keep a stiff upper lip To be courageous or stoic in the face of adversity. keep company1. To carry on a courtship: a couple who kept company but never married.2. To socialize or associate: keeps company with some tough thugs. keep (one's) chin up To be stalwart, courageous, or optimistic in the face of difficulty.keep (one's) eyes open/peeled To be on the lookout. keep (one's) nose clean Informal To stay out of trouble. keep pace To stay even with others, as in a contest. keep (someone) company To accompany or remain with. keep the wolf from the door To avoid the privation and suffering resulting from a lack of money: Both spouses had to work in order to keep the wolf from the door. keep time1. To indicate the correct time.2. Music To maintain the tempo or rhythm. keep to (oneself)1. To shun the company of others: She kept to herself all morning.2. To refrain from divulging: He kept the news to himself.

[Middle English kepen, from Old English cēpan, to observe, seize.]Synonyms: keep, retain, withhold, reserve
These verbs mean to have and maintain in one's possession or control. Keep is the most general: We received a few offers but decided to keep the house. Retain means to continue to hold, especially in the face of possible loss: Though unhappy, he retained his sense of humor. Withhold implies reluctance or refusal to give, grant, or allow: The tenant withheld his rent until the owner fixed the boiler. To reserve is to hold back for the future or for a special purpose: The farmer reserved two acres for an orchard. See Also Synonyms at observe.

keep

(kiːp) vb, keeps, keeping or kept (kɛpt) 1. (tr) to have or retain possession of2. (tr) to have temporary possession or charge of: keep my watch for me during the game. 3. (tr) to store in a customary place: I keep my books in the desk. 4. to remain or cause to remain in a specified state or condition: keep the dog quiet; keep ready. 5. to continue or cause to continue: keep the beat; keep in step. 6. (tr) to have or take charge or care of: keep the shop for me till I return. 7. (tr) to look after or maintain for use, pleasure, etc: to keep chickens; keep two cars. 8. (tr) to provide for the upkeep or livelihood of9. (tr) to support financially, esp in return for sexual favours: he keeps a mistress in the country. 10. to confine or detain or be confined or detained11. to withhold or reserve or admit of withholding or reserving: your news will keep till later. 12. (tr) to refrain from divulging or violating: to keep a secret; keep one's word. 13. to preserve or admit of preservation14. (sometimes foll by: up) to observe with due rites or ceremonies: to keep Christmas. 15. (tr) to maintain by writing regular records in: to keep a diary. 16. (when: intr, foll by in, on, to, etc) to stay in, on, or at (a place or position): please keep your seats; keep to the path. 17. (tr) to associate with (esp in the phrase keep bad company)18. (tr) to maintain in existence: to keep court in the palace. 19. (tr) chiefly Brit to have habitually in stock: this shop keeps all kinds of wool. 20. how are you keeping? how are you?21. keep tabs on informal to keep a watchful eye on22. keep track of See track¹⁵23. keep time See time⁴²24. (Cricket) keep wicket to play as wicketkeeper in the game of cricket25. you can keep it informal I have no interest in what you are offeringn26. living or support: he must work for his keep. 27. archaic charge or care28. (Architecture) Also called: dungeon or donjon the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress[Old English cēpan to observe; compare Old Saxon kapōn to look, Old Norse kōpa to stare]

keep

(kip)

v. kept, keep•ing,
n. v.t. 1. to hold or retain in one's possession, either permanently or temporarily. 2. to hold in a given place; put or store: to keep mints in a dish. 3. to maintain (some action), as in accordance with duty: to keep watch. 4. to cause to continue in a given position, state, course, or action: to keep a light burning. 5. to maintain in condition or order: to keep a lawn mowed. 6. to maintain in usable or edible condition; preserve: to keep meat by freezing it. 7. to hold in custody or under guard, as a prisoner. 8. to cause to stay in a particular place; detain: The work kept me at the office. 9. to have readily available for use or sale: to keep machine parts in stock. 10. to maintain in one's service or for one's use: to keep a car and chauffeur. 11. to associate with: to keep bad company. 12. to have the care, charge, or custody of: She keeps my dog when I travel. 13. to refrain from disclosing: to keep a secret. 14. to withhold, as from use; reserve: to keep the best wine for guests. 15. to restrain or prevent, as from an action: to keep a pipe from leaking. 16. to control; regulate: to keep one's temper. 17. to maintain by writing: to keep a diary. 18. to record regularly or consistently: to keep attendance figures. 19. to observe; obey or fulfill (a law, rule, promise, etc.). 20. to observe (a season, festival, etc.) with formalities or rites. 21. to maintain or carry on, as an establishment or business; manage. 22. to guard; protect: He kept her from harm. 23. to maintain or support: Can you keep a family on those wages? 24. to take care of; tend: to keep an herb garden. 25. to raise and provide for the care of as owner: to keep goats. 26. to remain in (a place, spot, etc.): Please keep your seats. 27. to maintain one's position in or on: to keep a job. 28. to continue to follow (a path, course, etc.). v.i. 29. to continue in an action, course, position, or state: to keep going; to keep calm. 30. to remain in a particular place: to keep indoors. 31. to continue without damage or spoilage: Will the milk keep for another day? 32. to admit of being reserved for a future occasion: The rest of the story will keep. 33. to stay as specified (fol. by away, back, off, out, etc.): Keep off the grass. 34. to restrain oneself; refrain (usu. fol. by from): Try to keep from smiling. 35. keep at, to persevere in. 36. keep back, a. to hold in check; restrain. b. to stay away from. 37. keep down, a. to maintain at an acceptable level; control. b. to prevent from advancing or flourishing. c. to avoid regurgitation of. 38. keep on, to persevere. 39. keep to, a. to conform to: to keep to the rules. b. to confine oneself to: to keep to one's bed. 40. keep up, a. to perform as swiftly or successfully as others. b. to persevere; continue. c. to maintain in good condition or repair. d. to stay informed. n. 41. board and lodging; support. 42. the innermost and strongest structure or central tower of a medieval castle; dungeon. Idioms: 1. for keeps, a. with the understanding that winnings are retained by the winner. b. with serious intent or purpose. c. permanently; forever. 2. keep to oneself, a. to remain aloof from the society of others. b. to hold (something) as secret or confidential. [before 1000; Middle English kepen, Old English cēpan to observe, heed, watch, take]

keep

1. used as a transitive verb

If you keep something or someone in a place, you cause them to remain in that place. The past tense and -ed participle of keep is kept.

Where do you keep your keys?The doctors kept her in hospital for another week.

To keep someone or something in a particular state means to cause them to remain in that state.

The fire kept them warm.They had been kept awake by birds.2. used as an intransitive verb

To keep in a particular state means to remain in that state.

They've got to hunt for food to keep alive.3. used with an -ing form

Keep can be used in two different ways with an -ing form.

You can use it to say that something is repeated many times.

The phone keeps ringing.My mother keeps asking questions.

You can also use it to say that something continues to happen and does not stop.

I turned back after a while, but he kept walking.The fire is still burning. I think it'll keep going all night.

For emphasis, you can use keep on instead of 'keep'.

Did he give up or keep on trying?

Be Careful!
Don't say that someone or something 'keeps to do' something.

keep

Past participle: kept
Gerund: keeping

Imperative
keep
keep

Present
I keep
you keep
he/she/it keeps
we keep
you keep
they keep

Preterite
I kept
you kept
he/she/it kept
we kept
you kept
they kept

Present Continuous
I am keeping
you are keeping
he/she/it is keeping
we are keeping
you are keeping
they are keeping

Present Perfect
I have kept
you have kept
he/she/it has kept
we have kept
you have kept
they have kept

Past Continuous
I was keeping
you were keeping
he/she/it was keeping
we were keeping
you were keeping
they were keeping

Past Perfect
I had kept
you had kept
he/she/it had kept
we had kept
you had kept
they had kept

Future
I will keep
you will keep
he/she/it will keep
we will keep
you will keep
they will keep

Future Perfect
I will have kept
you will have kept
he/she/it will have kept
we will have kept
you will have kept
they will have kept

Future Continuous
I will be keeping
you will be keeping
he/she/it will be keeping
we will be keeping
you will be keeping
they will be keeping

Present Perfect Continuous
I have been keeping
you have been keeping
he/she/it has been keeping
we have been keeping
you have been keeping
they have been keeping

Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been keeping
you will have been keeping
he/she/it will have been keeping
we will have been keeping
you will have been keeping
they will have been keeping

Past Perfect Continuous
I had been keeping
you had been keeping
he/she/it had been keeping
we had been keeping
you had been keeping
they had been keeping

Conditional
I would keep
you would keep
he/she/it would keep
we would keep
you would keep
they would keep

Past Conditional
I would have kept
you would have kept
he/she/it would have kept
we would have kept
you would have kept
they would have kept

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	keep - the financial means whereby one lives; "each child was expected to pay for their keep"; "he applied to the state for support"; "he could no longer earn his own livelihood"bread and butter, livelihood, sustenance, living, supportresource - available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when neededamenities, comforts, conveniences, creature comforts - things that make you comfortable and at ease; "all the comforts of home"maintenance - means of maintenance of a family or groupmeal ticket - a source of income or livelihoodsubsistence - minimal (or marginal) resources for subsisting; "social security provided only a bare subsistence"
	2.	keep - the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortressdonjon, dungeoncastle - a large building formerly occupied by a ruler and fortified against attackstronghold, fastness - a strongly fortified defensive structure
	3.	keep - a cell in a jail or prisonholdjail cell, prison cell, cell - a room where a prisoner is kept
Verb	1.	keep - keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"; "hold in place"; "She always held herself as a lady"; "The students keep me on my toes"hold, maintainpressurise, pressurize - maintain a certain pressure; "the airplane cabin is pressurized"; "pressurize a space suit"preserve, uphold, carry on, continue, bear on - keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last; "preserve the peace in the family"; "continue the family tradition"; "Carry on the old traditions"hold over - keep in a position or state from an earlier period of timeconserve - keep constant through physical or chemical reactions or evolutionary change; "Energy is conserved in this process"preserve - keep undisturbed for personal or private use for hunting, shooting, or fishing; "preserve the forest and the lakes"distance - keep at a distance; "we have to distance ourselves from these events in order to continue living"housekeep - maintain a household; take care of all business related to a householdkeep down, number - place a limit on the number ofkeep apart, sequestrate, set apart, isolate, sequester - set apart from others; "The dentist sequesters the tooth he is working on"stay off, keep off - refrain from entering or walking onto; "keep off the grass"; "stay off the premises"keep up - maintain a required pace or level; "He could not keep up and dropped out of the race"keep off, avoid - refrain from certain foods or beverages; "I keep off drugs"; "During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day"keep out, shut out, exclude, shut - prevent from entering; shut out; "The trees were shutting out all sunlight"; "This policy excludes people who have a criminal record from entering the country"keep in - cause to stay indoorssustain, keep up, prolong - lengthen or extend in duration or space; "We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible"; "prolong the treatment of the patient"; "keep up the good work"
	2.	keep - continue a certain state, condition, or activity; "Keep on working!"; "We continued to work into the night"; "Keep smiling"; "We went on working until well past midnight"continue, go on, go along, proceedact, move - perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); "think before you act"; "We must move quickly"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel"preserve, uphold, carry on, continue, bear on - keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last; "preserve the peace in the family"; "continue the family tradition"; "Carry on the old traditions"hold - remain in a certain state, position, or condition; "The weather held"; "They held on the road and kept marching"keep going, run on - continue uninterrupted; "The disease will run on unchecked"; "The party kept going until 4 A.M."ride - continue undisturbed and without interference; "Let it ride"continue - continue after an interruption; "The demonstration continued after a break for lunch"
	3.	keep - retain possession of; "Can I keep my old stuffed animals?"; "She kept her maiden name after she married"hold onhold over, carry over - hold over goods to be sold for the next seasonhave, have got, hold - have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"deny, refuse - refuse to let have; "She denies me every pleasure"; "he denies her her weekly allowance"deduct, withhold, recoup - retain and refrain from disbursing; of payments; "My employer is withholding taxes"save, preserve - to keep up and reserve for personal or special use; "She saved the old family photographs in a drawer"salt away, stack away, stash away, store, hive away, lay in, put in - keep or lay aside for future use; "store grain for the winter"; "The bear stores fat for the period of hibernation when he doesn't eat"store - find a place for and put away for storage; "where should we stow the vegetables?"; "I couldn't store all the books in the attic so I sold some"keep back, retain, hold back, hold - secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"hold open, keep open, save, keep - retain rights to; "keep my job for me while I give birth"; "keep my seat, please"; "keep open the possibility of a merger"harbour, harbor - keep in one's possession; of animalswithhold, keep back - hold back; refuse to hand over or share; "The father is withholding the allowance until the son cleans his room"keep back, retain, hold back, hold - secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"lose - fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense; "She lost her purse when she left it unattended on her seat"
	4.	keep - stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state; "We must prevent the cancer from spreading"; "His snoring kept me from falling asleep"; "Keep the child from eating the marbles"preventdefend - be on the defensive; act against an attackkeep - hold and prevent from leaving; "The student was kept after school"keep out, shut out, exclude, shut - prevent from entering; shut out; "The trees were shutting out all sunlight"; "This policy excludes people who have a criminal record from entering the country"hold - keep from departing; "Hold the taxi"; "Hold the horse"keep away - prevent from coming close; "I tried to keep the child away from the pool"blank - keep the opposing (baseball) team from winninghinder, impede - be a hindrance or obstacle to; "She is impeding the progress of our project"rain out, wash out - prevent or interrupt due to rain; "The storm had washed out the game"
	5.	keep - conform one's action or practice to; "keep appointments"; "she never keeps her promises"; "We kept to the original conditions of the contract"observemake good - act as promised; "make good on promises"breach, infract, transgress, violate, go against, offend, break - act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises; "offend all laws of humanity"; "violate the basic laws or human civilization"; "break a law"; "break a promise"
	6.	keep - stick to correctly or closely; "The pianist kept time with the metronome"; "keep count"; "I cannot keep track of all my employees"observe, maintain
	7.	keep - look after; be the keeper of; have charge of; "He keeps the shop when I am gone"have, have got, hold - have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"conserve, maintain, preserve, keep up - keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction; "We preserve these archeological findings"; "The old lady could not keep up the building"; "children must be taught to conserve our national heritage"; "The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts"preserve, keep - maintain in safety from injury, harm, or danger; "May God keep you"
	8.	keep - maintain by writing regular records; "keep a diary"; "maintain a record"; "keep notes"maintainrecord, enter, put down - make a record of; set down in permanent form
	9.	keep - supply with room and board; "He is keeping three women in the guest cottage"; "keep boarders"lodge, accommodate - provide housing for; "We are lodging three foreign students this semester"
	10.	keep - allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature; "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"; "She retained her composure"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings"keep on, retain, continuesustain, keep up, prolong - lengthen or extend in duration or space; "We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible"; "prolong the treatment of the patient"; "keep up the good work"persist in, continue - do something repeatedly and showing no intention to stop; "We continued our research into the cause of the illness"; "The landlord persists in asking us to move"
	11.	keep - supply with necessities and support; "She alone sustained her family"; "The money will sustain our good cause"; "There's little to earn and many to keep"maintain, sustainpatronage - support by being a patron ofreseed - maintain by seeding without human intervention; "Some plants reseed themselves indefinitely"have, have got, hold - have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"carry - keep up with financial support; "The Federal Government carried the province for many years"
	12.	keep - fail to spoil or rot; "These potatoes keep for a long time"stay freshremain, stay, rest - stay the same; remain in a certain state; "The dress remained wet after repeated attempts to dry it"; "rest assured"; "stay alone"; "He remained unmoved by her tears"; "The bad weather continued for another week"preserve, keep - prevent (food) from rotting; "preserved meats"; "keep potatoes fresh"
	13.	keep - behave as expected during of holidays or rites; "Keep the commandments"; "celebrate Christmas"; "Observe Yom Kippur"celebrate, observecommemorate, mark - mark by some ceremony or observation; "The citizens mark the anniversary of the revolution with a march and a parade"mourn - observe the customs of mourning after the death of a loved onesolemnise, solemnize - observe or perform with dignity or gravity; "The King solemnized this day of morning"
	14.	keep - keep under control; keep in check; "suppress a smile"; "Keep your temper"; "keep your cool"keep back, restrain, hold backhold - keep from exhaling or expelling; "hold your breath"confine - prevent from leaving or from being removedbottle up, suppress, inhibit - control and refrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behaviorcurb, hold in, control, moderate, contain, check, hold - lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; "moderate your alcohol intake"; "hold your tongue"; "hold your temper"; "control your anger"
	15.	keep - maintain in safety from injury, harm, or danger; "May God keep you"preserveprotect - shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage; "Weatherbeater protects your roof from the rain"keep - look after; be the keeper of; have charge of; "He keeps the shop when I am gone"
	16.	keep - raise; "She keeps a few chickens in the yard"; "he keeps bees"farm, produce, raise, grow - cultivate by growing, often involving improvements by means of agricultural techniques; "The Bordeaux region produces great red wines"; "They produce good ham in Parma"; "We grow wheat here"; "We raise hogs here"herd - keep, move, or drive animals; "Who will be herding the cattle when the cowboy dies?"
	17.	keep - retain rights to; "keep my job for me while I give birth"; "keep my seat, please"; "keep open the possibility of a merger"hold open, keep open, savekeep, hold on - retain possession of; "Can I keep my old stuffed animals?"; "She kept her maiden name after she married"book, reserve, hold - arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance; "reserve me a seat on a flight"; "The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family"; "please hold a table at Maxim's"
	18.	keep - store or keep customarily; "Where do you keep your gardening tools?"keep - have as a supply; "I always keep batteries in the freezer"; "keep food for a week in the pantry"; "She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator"store - find a place for and put away for storage; "where should we stow the vegetables?"; "I couldn't store all the books in the attic so I sold some"
	19.	keep - have as a supply; "I always keep batteries in the freezer"; "keep food for a week in the pantry"; "She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator"have, have got, hold - have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"keep - store or keep customarily; "Where do you keep your gardening tools?"
	20.	keep - maintain for use and service; "I keep a car in the countryside"; "She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips"maintainhave, have got, hold - have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"
	21.	keep - hold and prevent from leaving; "The student was kept after school"prevent, keep - stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state; "We must prevent the cancer from spreading"; "His snoring kept me from falling asleep"; "Keep the child from eating the marbles"detain, confine - deprive of freedom; take into confinement
	22.	keep - prevent (food) from rotting; "preserved meats"; "keep potatoes fresh"preservefreeze-dry - preserve by rapid freezing and subsequently drying in a vacuum; "freeze-dry the strawberries"conserve - preserve with sugar; "Mom always conserved the strawberries we grew in the backyard"dehydrate, desiccate - preserve by removing all water and liquids from; "carry dehydrated food on your camping trip"pickle - preserve in a pickling liquidsalt - preserve with salt; "people used to salt meats on ships"can, tin, put up - preserve in a can or tin; "tinned foods are not very tasty"refrigerate - preserve by chilling; "many foods must be refrigerated or else they will spoil"cure - prepare by drying, salting, or chemical processing in order to preserve; "cure meats"; "cure pickles"; "cure hay"corn - preserve with salt; "corned beef"ready, prepare, cook, fix, make - prepare for eating by applying heat; "Cook me dinner, please"; "can you make me an omelette?"; "fix breakfast for the guests, please"stay fresh, keep - fail to spoil or rot; "These potatoes keep for a long time"

keep

¹verb1. remain, stay, continue to be, go on being, carry on being Keeping cool out here requires cold drinks plus a hat.2. (usually with from) prevent, hold back, deter, inhibit, block, stall, restrain, hamstring, hamper, withhold, hinder, retard, impede, shackle, keep back Embarrassment has kept me from doing all sorts of things.3. (sometimes with on) continue, go on, carry on, persist in, persevere in, remain I turned back after a while, but he kept walking.4. hold on to, maintain, retain, keep possession of, save, preserve, nurture, cherish, conserve We want to keep as many players as we can.
hold on to retain, lose, give up, abandon, discard5. store, put, place, house, hold, deposit, pile, stack, heap, amass, stow She kept her money under the mattress.6. carry, stock, have, hold, sell, supply, handle, trade in, deal in The shop keeps specialised books on various aspects of the collection.7. comply with, carry out, honour, fulfil, hold, follow, mind, respect, observe, respond to, embrace, execute, obey, heed, conform to, adhere to, abide by, act upon I'm hoping you'll keep your promise to come for a long visit.
comply with ignore, disregard8. record, report, write, document, log, chronicle, take down, set down Eleanor began to keep a diary.9. support, maintain, sustain, provide for, mind, fund, board, finance, feed, look after, foster, shelter, care for, take care of, nurture, safeguard, cherish, nourish, subsidize She could just about afford to keep her five kids.10. raise, own, maintain, tend, farm, breed, look after, rear, care for, bring up, nurture, nourish This mad writer kept a lobster as a pet.11. manage, run, administer, be in charge (of), rule, direct, handle, govern, oversee, supervise, preside over, superintend His father kept a village shop.12. delay, detain, hinder, impede, stop, limit, check, arrest, curb, constrain, obstruct, retard, set back `Sorry to keep you, Jack.'
delay detain, free, release, liberate13. stay fresh, be suitable, be safe to eat, remain flavoursome Whatever is left over will keep for 2-3 weeks.14. associate with, mix with, mingle with, hang out with (informal), hang with (informal, chiefly U.S.), be friends with, consort with, run around with (informal), hobnob with, socialize with, hang about with, fraternize with I don't like the company you keep.15. honour, mark, respect, celebrate, observe, acknowledge, recognize, commemorate, ritualize, solemnize, perform My father never kept the Sabbath and I never did either.noun1. board, food, maintenance, upkeep, means, living, support, nurture, livelihood, subsistence, kai (N.Z. informal), nourishment, sustenance I need to give my parents money for my keep.for keeps (Informal) forever, permanent, for all time, for always, for evermore, for good and all (informal), till the cows come home (informal), till the end of time, till Doomsday Whatever you gain now will be for keeps.keep at it persist with it, continue, carry on, keep going, stick with it, stay with it, be steadfast, grind it out, persevere with it, remain with it `Keep at it!' Thade encouraged me.keep away stay away, hold back, stand back, rest away, wait away Keep away from the doors while the train is moving.keep off something avoid, steer clear of, dodge, get away from, shun, eschew, sidestep, shirk from I managed to stick to the diet and keep off sweet foods.keep on about something go on about, go on and on about, ramble on about, rant on about, talk constantly about He kept on about me being `defensive'.keep on at someone nag, badger, pester, hassle (informal), harry, provoke, plague, harass, berate, bend someone's ear (informal), be on your back (slang), henpeck She kept on at him to get some qualifications.keep someone down oppress, burden, depress, harass, dispirit, take the heart out of No matter what a woman tries to do, there is some barrier to keep her down.keep something back1. hold back, hold, save, set aside, husband, store, retain, preserve, withhold, hang on to, conserve, stockpile, hoard, lay up, put by Roughly chop the vegetables, and keep back a few for decoration.2. suppress, hide, reserve, conceal, restrain, cover up, withhold, stifle, censor, repress, smother, muffle, muzzle, keep something under your hat Neither of them is telling the whole truth. They're both keeping something back.3. restrain, control, limit, check, delay, restrict, curb, prohibit, withhold, hold back, constrain, retard, keep a tight rein on I can no longer keep back my tears.keep something down restrict, limit, check, curb, fix, specify, restrain, demarcate, delimit The prime aim is to keep inflation down.keep something from someone hide something, keep someone in the dark, conceal something, mask something, keep something secret, obscure something She knew that Gabriel was keeping something from her.keep something up1. continue, make, maintain, carry on, persist in, persevere with They can no longer keep up the repayments.2. maintain, sustain, uphold, perpetuate, retain, preserve, prolong keeping up the pressure against the governmentkeep to something observe, follow, obey, stick to, respect, honour, mind, comply with, heed, conform to, adhere to, abide by Keep to the speed limit.keep up keep pace, match, compete, contend, emulate, persevere Things are changing so fast, it's hard to keep up.

keep

²noun tower, castle, stronghold, dungeon, citadel, fastness, donjon the parts of the keep open to visitors

keep

verb1. To have and maintain in one's possession:hold, hold back, keep back, reserve, retain, withhold.2. To have for sale:carry, stock.3. To supply with the necessities of life:maintain, provide for, support.Idiom: take care of.4. To have or put in a customary place:store.5. To remain fresh and unspoiled:last.6. To persevere in some condition, action, or belief:maintain, retain, stay with.7. To control, restrict, or arrest:bit, brake, bridle, check, constrain, curb, hold, hold back, hold down, hold in, inhibit, keep back, pull in, rein (back, in, or up), restrain.8. To hold oneself back:abstain, forbear, hold off, refrain, withhold.9. To reserve for the future:lay aside, lay away, lay by, lay in, lay up, put by, salt away, save (up), set by.10. To carry out the functions, requirements, or terms of:discharge, do, execute, exercise, fulfill, implement, perform.Idiom: live up to.11. To act in conformity with:abide by, adhere, carry out, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe.Idiom: toe the line.12. To mark (a day or an event) with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing:celebrate, commemorate, observe, solemnize.phrasal verb
keep back1. To have and maintain in one's possession:hold, hold back, keep, reserve, retain, withhold.2. To control, restrict, or arrest:bit, brake, bridle, check, constrain, curb, hold, hold back, hold down, hold in, inhibit, keep, pull in, rein (back, in, or up), restrain.phrasal verb
keep offTo turn or drive away:beat off, fend (off), parry, repel, repulse, ward off.phrasal verb
keep onTo continue without halting despite difficulties or setbacks:carry on, go on, hang on, persevere, persist.Idioms: hang in there, keep going , keep it up.phrasal verb
keep outTo keep from being admitted, included, or considered:bar, count out, debar, eliminate, except, exclude, rule out, shut out.phrasal verb
keep upTo keep in a condition of good repair, efficiency, or use:maintain, preserve, sustain.noun1. The means needed to support life:alimentation, alimony, bread, bread and butter, livelihood, living, maintenance, subsistence, support, sustenance, upkeep.2. A place for the confinement of persons in lawful detention:brig, house of correction, jail, penitentiary, prison.Informal: lockup, pen.Slang: big house, can, clink, cooler, coop, hoosegow, joint, jug, pokey, slammer, stir.Chiefly Regional: calaboose.

Translations

保存保持保持不坏保留备有

keep

(kiːp) – past tense, past participle kept (kept) – verb1. to have for a very long or indefinite period of time. He gave me the picture to keep.保存2. not to give or throw away; to preserve. I kept the most interesting books; Can you keep a secret?保留3. to (cause to) remain in a certain state or position. I keep this gun loaded; How do you keep cool in this heat?; Will you keep me informed of what happens?保持4. to go on (performing or repeating a certain action). He kept walking.继续5. to have in store. I always keep a tin of baked beans for emergencies. 备有（商品） 6. to look after or care for. She keeps the garden beautifully; I think they keep hens.料理7. to remain in good condition. That meat won't keep in this heat unless you put it in the fridge. （食物等）保持不坏 8. to make entries in (a diary, accounts etc). She keeps a diary to remind her of her appointments; He kept the accounts for the club. 记（日记、帐目） 9. to hold back or delay. Sorry to keep you.阻挡10. to provide food, clothes, housing for (someone). He has a wife and child to keep.赡养11. to act in the way demanded by. She kept her promise. 履行（诺言） 12. to celebrate. to keep Christmas.庆祝 noun food and lodging. She gives her mother money every week for her keep; Our cat really earns her keep – she kills all the mice in the house.生计ˈkeeper noun1. a person who looks after something, eg animals in a zoo. The lion has killed its keeper. 看守人，管理人（如动物园的饲养员） 2. a goalkeeper. 守门员ˈkeeping noun care or charge. The money had been given into his keeping.保管ˌkeep-ˈfit noun a series or system of exercises, usually simple, intended to improve the physical condition of ordinary people, especially women. She's very keen on keep-fit but it doesn't do her much good; (also adjective) keep-fit exercises.体操ˈkeepsake (-seik) noun something given or taken to be kept in memory of the giver. She gave him a piece of her hair as a keepsake.纪念品for keeps permanently. You can have this necklace for keeps.永久地in keeping with suited to. He has moved to a house more in keeping with his position as a headmaster.与...一致keep away to (cause to) remain at a distance. Keep away – it's dangerous!避开keep back1. not to (allow to) move forward. She kept the child back on the edge of the crowd; Every body keep back from the door! 留在原地，不再前进 2. not to tell or make known. I feel he's keeping the real story back for some reason.隐瞒3. not to give or pay out. Part of my allowance is kept back to pay for my meals; Will they keep it back every week?保留keep one's distance to stay quite far away. The deer did not trust us and kept their distance. 保持距离，远离 keep down1. not to (allow to) rise up. Keep down – they're shooting at us!卧下2. to control or put a limit on. They are taking steps to keep down the rabbit population.控制3. to digest without vomiting. He has eaten some food but he won't be able to keep it down.消化keep one's end up to perform one's part in something just as well as all the others who are involved. 精神饱满地对付keep from to stop oneself from (doing something). I could hardly keep from hitting him.阻止keep going to go on doing something despite difficulties. 继续keep hold of not to let go of. Keep hold of those tickets! 拿，抓住 keep house (for) to do the cooking, housework etc (for). She keeps house for her brother.操持家务keep in1. not to allow to go or come out or outside. The teacher kept him in till he had finished the work. 留住，不让外出 2. to stay close to the side of a road etc. 靠边keep in mind to remember and take into consideration later. 牢记keep it up to carry on doing something at the same speed or as well as one is doing it at present. Your work is good – keep it up!继续下去而不松弛keep off1. to stay away. There are notices round the bomb warning people to keep off; The rain kept off and we had sunshine for the wedding.让开2. to prevent from getting to or on to (something). This umbrella isn't pretty, but it keeps off the rain.不让...接近keep on to continue (doing something or moving). He just kept on writing; They kept on until they came to a petrol station. 继续（进行） keep oneself to oneself to tell others very little about oneself, and not to be very friendly or sociable. 不交际keep out not to (allow to) enter. The notice at the building site said `Keep out!'; This coat keeps out the wind. （使）在外 keep out of not to become involved in. Do try to keep out of trouble!置身于...之外keep time (of a clock etc) to show the time accurately. Does this watch keep (good) time? （钟表）准确 keep to not to leave or go away from. Keep to this side of the park!; We kept to the roads we knew.沿著keep (something) to oneself not to tell anyone (something). He kept his conclusions to himself.保守秘密keep up1. to continue, or cause to remain, in operation. I enjoy our friendship and try to keep it up.维持2. (often with with) to move fast enough not to be left behind (by). Even the children managed to keep up; Don't run – I can't keep up with you.跟上keep up with the Joneses (ˈdʒounziz) to have everything one's neighbours have. She didn't need a new cooker – she just bought one to keep up with the Joneses. 与别人攀比，不输人 keep watch to have the task of staying alert and watching for danger. 看守

keep

→ 使留在zhCN, 保存zhCN, 保持zhCN, 重复做zhCN

Keep the door locked → 把门锁上吧
How long will it stay fresh? (US)
How long will it keep? (UK) → 能保存多久？
Keep to the path → 不要下道
Keep the change → 不用找钱了
May I keep it? → 可以送给我吗？

keep

keep (something of someone's or something's)

to retain something that belongs to or is associated with someone or something. I would love to keep this handkerchief of yours. I want to keep a memento of the occasion.

keep

/hold (one's) peace To be silent.

keep

/know (one's) place To recognize one's social position and act according to traditional decorum.

See:

(someone had) better keep quiet about it
(someone had) better keep still about it
a committee is a group of men who keep minutes and waste hours
A hedge between keeps friendship green
a man is known by the company he keeps
above suspicion
abreast of
adopt, keep, etc. a high/low profile
ahead
ahead of
ahead of the game
an apple a day (keeps the doctor away)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
apple a day
at arm's length
at bay
away
be in touch
be in trim
be in with (someone)
be on about (something)
be, keep, etc. in touch
be, keep, etc. in trim
be/go/keep on about something
be/go/keep on at somebody
be/keep in with somebody
bear in mind
bear something in mind
bear/keep somebody/something in mind
Better keep still about it
break (one's) word
break faith with (someone or something)
break/keep faith with somebody
bring (someone or something) under (one's) control
bring/get/keep something under control
Can you keep a secret?
can't keep (one's) eyes off (of) (someone or something)
can't keep (one's) hands off (someone)
can't take your eyes off someone/something
change with the times
clear of
Could you keep a secret?
cross one's fingers
Desert and reward seldom keep company
ear to the ground, have one's
ear to the ground, to have/keep an
earn (one's) keep
earn its keep
earn keep
earn one's keep
earn your keep
enough to keep body and soul together
foot in both camps
for keeps
get (someone or something) under (one's) control
get (someone) onside
get into bad company
get into/keep bad company
get on the good side of (someone)
get on the wrong side of (someone)
get one's feet on the ground
get the ball rolling
Get your nose out of my business!
get/keep on the right/wrong side of somebody
get/keep somebody onside
get/keep/set/start the ball rolling
go on (and on) about (something)
hands off
have (one's) feet on the ground
have (one's) finger on the pulse
have (one's) fingers crossed
have (one's) nose to the grindstone
have (one's) wits about (one)
have (someone) on a string
have (something) up (one's) sleeve
have a clear head
have a hand in
have an/(one's) ear to the ground
have one's eye on
have one's wits about one
have shoulder to the wheel
have someone on a string
have/keep a clear head
have/keep an open mind
have/keep both/your feet on the ground
have/keep somebody on a string
have/keep something up your sleeve
have/keep your finger on the pulse
have/keep your fingers crossed
have/keep your wits about you
head above water, keep one's
hold (one's) cards close to (one's) chest
hold (one's) end up
hold (one's) peace
hold (someone or something) at bay
hold (someone or something) in check
hold (something) in reserve
hold back
hold down
hold end of the bargain up
hold in
hold in reserve and keep in reserve
hold off
hold one's end up
hold one's temper
hold one's tongue
hold someone's feet to the fire
hold/keep somebody/something at bay
If you can’t stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen
if you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen
I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself
in good shape
in proportion
in step
in the back of mind
in the dark
in the dark, to be/keep someone
in the picture
in touch, be
in with, be
keep
keep (a) close watch on (someone or something)
keep (a) count (of someone or something)
keep (an amount of) balls in the air
keep (an amount of) plates spinning
keep (close) watch
keep (close) watch for (someone or something)
keep (close) watch over (someone or something)
keep (going) on about (someone or something)
keep (going) on about (something)
keep (going) on at (one)
keep (one) amused
keep (one) at arm's length
keep (one) dangling
keep (one) going
keep (one) guessing
keep (one) on (one's) toes
keep (one) on a string
keep (one) on a tight leash
keep (one) on the edge of (one's) chair
keep (one) on the edge of (one's) seat
keep (one) on the hop
keep (one) posted
keep (one) sweet
keep (one) waiting
keep (one's) (something) warm
keep (one's) cards close to (one's) chest
keep (one's) cards close to (one's) vest
keep (one's) chin up
keep (one's) cool
keep (one's) distance
keep (one's) end of the bargain up
keep (one's) end up
keep (one's) eye on the ball
keep (one's) eye out for (someone or something)
keep (one's) eye(s) open (for someone or something)
keep (one's) eye(s) peeled (for something or someone)
keep (one's) eye(s) skinned (for someone or something)
keep (one's) eyes on (someone or something)
keep (one's) feet
keep (one's) feet on the ground
keep (one's) finger on the pulse
keep (one's) fingers crossed
keep (one's) hair on
keep (one's) hand in (something)
keep (one's) hands clean
keep (one's) hands off (something or someone)
keep (one's) head
keep (one's) head above water
keep (one's) head below the parapet
keep (one's) head down
keep (one's) head on a swivel
keep (one's) lips sealed
keep (one's) mind on (something)
keep (one's) mouth shut
keep (one's) nose clean
keep (one's) nose out of (something)
keep (one's) nose to the grindstone
keep (one's) options open
keep (one's) own counsel
keep (one's) paws off (something or someone)
keep (one's) peace
keep (one's) pecker up
keep (one's) place
keep (one's) powder dry
keep (one's) shirt on
keep (one's) shoulder to the wheel
keep (one's) slate clean
keep (one's) socks on
keep (one's) temper
keep (one's) voice down
keep (one's) weather eye open
keep (one's) wits about (one)
keep (one's) word
keep (one's)/a beady eye on (someone or something)
keep (one's)/an eye on (someone or something)
keep (oneself) busy
keep (oneself) to (oneself)
keep (some kind of) hours
keep (someone or something) at bay
keep (someone or something) down
keep (someone or something) in check
keep (someone or something) in sight
keep (someone or something) under (one's) control
keep (someone or something) up to date
keep (someone) in the dark (about something)
keep (someone) in the loop
keep (someone) in the picture
keep (someone) on a short leash
keep (someone) on ice
keep (someone) onside
keep (someone) posted, to
keep (someone) under (one's) thumb
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
keep (something) dark
keep (something) for a rainy day
keep (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
keep (something) in proportion
keep (something) in reserve
keep (something) on the down low
keep (something) on the hush
keep (something) on the hush-hush
keep (something) straight (in one's mind/head)
keep (something) to (oneself)
keep (something) under (one's) hat
keep (something) under one's hat, to
keep (something) under wraps
keep (something) up (one's) sleeve
keep (up) (one's) end of the bargain
keep (up) (one's) side of the bargain
keep a
keep a (close) watch
keep a beady eye on somebody/something
keep a civil tongue
keep a civil tongue in (one's) head
keep a civil tongue in one's head
keep a civil tongue in your head
keep a clean sheet
keep a clear head
keep a close eye on (someone or something)
keep a close eye/watch on somebody/something
keep a close watch on
keep a cool head
keep a dog and bark (oneself)
keep a dog and bark yourself
keep a firm grip on
keep a level head
keep a lid on
keep a lid on (something)
keep a low profile
keep a promise
keep a secret
keep a sharp lookout (for something or someone)
Keep a stiff upper lip
keep a stiff upper lip, to
keep a straight face
keep a straight face, to
Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it
keep a tight grip on (someone or something)
keep a tight rein on
keep a tight rein on (someone or something)
keep a tight rein on somebody/something
keep a tight rein on someone/something
keep a weather eye on
keep a weather eye on (someone or something)
keep a weather eye on something/open for something
keep a weather eye on something/someone
keep a weather eye open
keep a weather eye out
keep about
keep abreast of
keep abreast of something
keep after
keep after (someone or something)
keep ahead
keep ahead (of someone or something)
keep all the plates spinning
keep an act up
keep an ear out (for someone or something)
keep an ear to the ground
keep an eye on
keep an eye on, to
keep an eye open
keep an eye out
keep an eye out for
keep an eye out for (someone or something)
keep an eye peeled (for something or someone)
keep an open mind
keep an/(one's) ear close to the ground
keep an/(one's) ear to the ground
keep an/your eye on somebody/something
keep apart
keep astride of (something)
keep at
keep at (someone or something)
keep at a distance
keep at arm's length from
keep at arm's length, to
keep at it
Keep at it!
keep away
keep away (from someone or something)
keep back
keep bad company
keep balls in the air
keep banker's hours
keep behind
keep body and soul together
keep body and soul together, to
keep both feet on the ground
keep both oars in the water
keep busy
keep by
keep cave
keep chair
keep chin up
keep clear of
keep close tabs on (someone or something)
keep company
keep cool
keep count
keep distance
keep down
keep end up
keep eye on
keep eye on the ball
keep eye out
keep eyes
keep eyes open
keep eyes peeled
keep faith with
keep faith with (someone or something)
keep feet on the ground
keep finger on the pulse of
keep fingers crossed
keep fit
keep for
keep from
keep from doing
keep going
keep good time
keep guard
keep half an eye on (someone or something)
keep hand in
keep hands off
keep hands to
keep harping on
keep head
keep head above water
keep honest
keep house
keep in
keep in check
keep in good shape
keep in good with
keep in ignorance
keep in line
keep in mind
keep in mind that
keep in order
keep in sight
keep in some place
keep in step
keep in step with the times
keep in stitches
keep in suspense
keep in the dark
Keep in there!
keep in time (with someone or something)
keep in touch
keep in training
keep in trim
keep in with
keep in with (someone)
keep inside
keep it 100
keep it between the ditches
keep it down
keep it down to a dull roar
keep it on the down-low
Keep it real!
keep it up
Keep it up!
keep it/something dark
keep kosher
keep late hours
keep mind on
keep mouth shut
keep mum
keep nit
keep no more cats than can catch mice
keep nose clean
keep nose out of
keep nose out of business
keep nose to the grindstone
keep off
keep off (of) (something)
keep off back
keep on
keep on about
keep on an even keel
keep on at
keep on at (one)
keep on its feet
keep on keeping on
keep on tenterhooks
keep on the good side of (someone)
keep on the left side
keep on the right side
keep on the right side of
keep on the right side of (someone)
keep on the straight and narrow
keep on top
keep on track
keep on trucking
keep on with
keep one eye on (someone or something)
keep one in place
keep one jump ahead
keep one step ahead of
keep one’s cool
keep one’s head right
keep one’s nose clean
keep one's chin up
keep one's cool
keep one's distance
keep one's eye on the ball
keep one's eyes open
keep one's fingers crossed, to
keep one's hand in
keep one's head
keep one's head above water, to
keep one's mouth shut
keep one's nose clean
keep one's own counsel
keep one's powder dry
keep one's shirt on
keep one's word
keep oneself to oneself
keep oneself to oneself, to
keep open house
keep opinions to
keep out
keep out (of something)
keep out from under feet
Keep out of my way
keep out of sight
keep out of the way
keep out of the/(one's) way
Keep out of this!
keep out of trouble
keep own counsel
keep pace
keep people straight
keep place
keep posted
keep powder dry
keep quiet
keep quiet (about something)
keep quiet about something
keep schtum
keep schtum/shtum
Keep shirt on
keep sight of
keep sight of (someone or something)
keep sight of somebody/something
Keep smiling
keep somebody amused
keep somebody at arm's length
keep somebody company
keep somebody going
keep somebody guessing
keep somebody on their toes
keep somebody posted
keep somebody sweet
keep somebody waiting
keep somebody's seat, etc. warm
keep someone at arm's length
keep someone dangling
keep someone in the dark
keep someone on the hop
keep someone or something at arm's length
keep someone posted
keep someone sweet
keep something dark
keep something from (someone)
keep something in proportion
keep something to yourself
keep something under wraps
keep something under your hat
keep something warm for someone
keep something, stay, etc. under wraps
keep something/someone at bay
keep step
keep still
keep stum
keep tab
keep tabs on
keep tabs on (someone or something)

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep

keep (something of someone's or something's)

keep

keep

keep

keep

Keep

keep, donjon

KEEP

keep

Synonyms for keep

verb remain

Synonyms

verb prevent

Synonyms

verb continue

Synonyms

verb hold on to

Synonyms

Antonyms

verb store

Synonyms

verb carry

Synonyms

verb comply with

Synonyms

Antonyms

verb record

Synonyms

verb support

Synonyms

verb raise

Synonyms

verb manage

Synonyms

verb delay

Synonyms

Antonyms

verb stay fresh

Synonyms

verb associate with

Synonyms

verb honour

Synonyms

noun board

Synonyms

phrase for keeps

Synonyms

phrase keep at it

Synonyms

phrase keep away

Synonyms

phrase keep off something

Synonyms

phrase keep on about something

Synonyms

phrase keep on at someone

Synonyms

phrase keep someone down

Synonyms

phrase keep something back: hold back

Synonyms

phrase keep something back: suppress

Synonyms

phrase keep something back: restrain

Synonyms

phrase keep something down

Synonyms

phrase keep something from someone