verb trans
to retain possession or control of (something)
to cause (somebody or something) to remain in a specified place or condition
Keep the door closed
(often + on) to retain possession or use of (something)
Should we keep the apartment on over the summer?
to store (something) habitually for use
Where do you keep the butter?
to preserve (food) in an unspoilt condition
to have (goods) customarily in stock for sale
to record (accounts, events, etc) by entries in a book
to watch over, defend, or guard (somebody or something)
Keep us from harm
to take care of (something), esp as an owner
to support or provide for (somebody)
to maintain (something) in a specified condition
a well-kept garden
to continue to maintain (order, etc)
to manage or run (a shop, household, etc)
to obey or honour (a law, promise, etc)
to act fittingly in relation to (a festival, ceremony, etc)
to keep the Sabbath
to conform to (something) in habits or conduct
to keep late hours
to stay in accord with (a beat or rhythm)
to keep step
to stay or remain on or in (a place, position, etc) often against opposition
Will you keep my place?
to delay or detain (somebody)
What kept you?
to hold back or restrain (somebody)
Try to keep him from going
to save or reserve (something)
I'll keep some for later
to refrain from revealing or releasing (something secret or confidential)
to maintain a specified course
Keep right at the junction
to continue or persist in doing something
Just keep talking
She would keep bothering them
to stay or remain in a specified usu desirable place, situation, or condition
We must keep calm
Keep out of the way
esp of food: to remain in good condition
Knowledge doesn't keep any better than fish — A N Whitehead
to be or remain with regard to health
How are you keeping?
to call for no immediate action
The matter will keep till morning
to persevere in doing (something)
to refrain from (doing something)
I couldn't keep from laughing
to remain solitary or apart from other people
informal to remain calm or not lose one's temper
to stay in or on (a place, path, etc)
Please keep to the path
not to deviate from (a schedule, promise, etc)
We have to keep to the rules
to keep (information) secret
(also keep oneself to oneself) to remain solitary or apart from other people
used in rejection of something distasteful