Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition keep down in British English

keep down phrasal verb

[transitive] phrasal verb
1

to control something and prevent it from increasing in size or number

Example

We have to try and keep costs down.

Example

The cats help to keep down the rats.

Synonyms and related words
draw a line in the sand limit control
2

to stop someone from achieving what they are capable of achieving

Example

Even if you're intelligent, they still try to keep you down.

Synonyms and related words
stop prevent check
3

to succeed in keeping food in your stomach although you feel as if you want to vomit

Example

I'd eat something if I thought I could keep it down.

Synonyms and related words
airsick barf bilious
4

to make a noise less loud

Example

Keep it down! I'm trying to sleep.

Synonyms and related words
be quiet keep your voice down shh
5

to control people in such a strict or cruel way that they have very little freedom or very few rights

Example

These immigrants were kept down for decades.

Synonyms and related words
limit tie down control
Definition keep down in British English