- keep
- I UK [kiːp] / US [kɪp]
verb
Word forms "keep":
present tense I/you/we/they keep he/she/it keeps present participle keeping past tense kept UK [kept] / US past participle kept
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1)a) [intransitive] to stay in a state, position, or place without changing or movingKeep still while I brush your hair.
People kept quiet because they were afraid.
I walked along the hall, keeping close to the side.
b) [transitive] to make someone or something stay in a state, position, or placeKeep her warm and give her plenty to drink.
Police tried to keep the two rival groups apart.
keep someone/something under observation:Why can't we just keep things simple?
keep someone/something under control:The patient is being kept under observation.
They do not understand the importance of keeping costs under control.
2) [transitive] to do something many times, or to continue doing itkeep doing something:I keep on telling you but you won't listen.
Keep taking the tablets.
I keep forgetting to put the answering machine on.
a) [transitive] to make someone continue doing somethingkeep someone doing something:Sorry to keep you waiting.
She kept me talking for forty-five minutes.
b) [transitive] to make something continue to operate or existkeep something doing something:We need more money to keep the farm going.
c) [intransitive/transitive] used when giving directions, for telling someone to continue in a particular directionkeep right/left/straight on:keep on/going:Don't go left down Priory Road: keep straight on.
Keep on until you reach the traffic lights.
3) [transitive] to continue to have or own somethingI think we should keep this one and sell the others.
a) used when you allow someone else to have somethingI've got two copies, so you can keep that one.
She told the waiter to keep the change.
b) used about things that are important to youHow can I stay here and keep my self-respect?
Most employees will keep their jobs when the company changes hands.
4)a) [transitive] to store something in a particular place so that you know where it isRead this letter carefully, and keep it in a safe place.
Where do you keep the washing powder?
b) to store information by writing it or putting it into a computerkeep a record/keep records:We keep all these transactions on file.
keep a diary/journal:Some companies do not keep detailed records.
Every member of the group has to keep a diary.
5)a) [transitive] to control something so that it stays within a limitCosts must be kept within reasonable limits.
b) [intransitive] to stay within a limitkeep within:I am trying to keep within budget.
6) [transitive] to do what you said you would dokeep a promise:If you cannot keep your appointment, please let us know.
keep your word:I have tried to keep my promise.
He promised the family, and I think he will keep his word.
7) [transitive] to provide money for yourself or someone else, in order to pay for the food, clothes, and other things that you or they needkeep someone in something (= pay for them to buy it):She keeps the family on two hundred pounds a week.
His pay doesn't even keep the family in food.
8) [transitive] to own animals and look after themA few cows are kept to provide milk, cheese, and cream.
I have been keeping tropical fish for twenty years.
9) [intransitive] if food or other substances keep for a particular period of time, they stay in good condition for that period of timekeep for:Perfume doesn't keep indefinitely, you know.
The sauce will keep for two weeks in the fridge.
10) [intransitive, always progressive] British spoken used for asking if someone is wellAre you keeping well?
How are you keeping?
11) [transitive] spoken to delay someoneWhat kept you?
I won't keep you long.
•Phrasal verbs:you can't keep a good man/woman down
— spoken used when someone who you like or approve of has managed to deal with criticism or a difficulty- keep in- keep off- keep on- keep out- keep to- keep upSee:eye I, house I
II UK [kiːp] / US [kɪp] noun
Word forms "keep":
singular keep plural keeps1) [uncountable] the cost of the food and the other things such as clothes that you need to liveearn your keep:We only need two rooms and our keep.
Paul earns his keep by helping his elderly landlord.
2) [countable] a large strong tower in the centre of a castle•
English dictionary. 2014.