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Definition keep in British English

keep verb

verb
/kiːp/
1

to stay in a state, position, or place without changing or moving

Example

Keep still while I brush your hair.

Example

People kept quiet because they were afraid.

Example

I walked along the hall, keeping close to the side.

Synonyms and related words
remain stay wait
1.1

to make someone or something stay in a state, position, or place

Example

Keep her warm and give her plenty to drink.

Example

Police tried to keep the two rival groups apart.

Example

Why can't we just keep things simple?

Example

The patient is being kept under observation.

Example

They do not understand the importance of keeping costs under control.

Synonyms and related words
occupy set exist
2

to do something many times, or to continue doing it

Example

I keep on telling you but you won't listen.

Example

Keep taking the tablets.

Example

I keep forgetting to put the answering machine on.

Synonyms and related words
continue go on follow through
2.1

to make someone continue doing something

Example

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Example

She kept me talking for forty-five minutes.

Synonyms and related words
draw out drag out spin out
2.2

to make something continue to operate or exist

Example

We need more money to keep the farm going.

Synonyms and related words
draw out drag out spin out
2.3

used when giving directions, for telling someone to continue in a particular direction

Example

Don't go left down Priory Road: keep straight on.

Example

Keep on until you reach the traffic lights.

Synonyms and related words
head go progress
3

to continue to have or own something

Example

I think we should keep this one and sell the others.

Synonyms and related words
set aside collect set apart
3.1

used when you allow someone else to have something

Example

I've got two copies, so you can keep that one.

Example

She told the waiter to keep the change.

Synonyms and related words
give present hand
3.2

used about things that are important to you

Example

How can I stay here and keep my self-respect?

Example

Most employees will keep their jobs when the company changes hands.

Synonyms and related words
set aside collect set apart
4

to store something in a particular place so that you know where it is

Example

Read this letter carefully, and keep it in a safe place.

Example

Where do you keep the washing powder?

Synonyms and related words
set aside collect set apart
4.1

to store information by writing it or putting it into a computer

Example

We keep all these transactions on file.

Example

Some companies do not keep detailed records.

Example

Every member of the group has to keep a diary.

Synonyms and related words
access archive back up
5

to control something so that it stays within a limit

Example

Costs must be kept within reasonable limits.

Synonyms and related words
draw a line in the sand limit control
5.1

to stay within a limit

Example

I am trying to keep within budget.

Synonyms and related words
draw a line in the sand limit control
6

to do what you said you would do

Example

If you cannot keep your appointment, please let us know.

Example

I have tried to keep my promise.

Example

He promised the family, and I think he will keep his word.

Synonyms and related words
keep hold to stick to
7

to provide money for yourself or someone else, in order to pay for the food, clothes, and other things that you or they need

Example

She keeps the family on two hundred pounds a week.

Example

His pay doesn't even keep the family in food.

Synonyms and related words
disburse spend pay
8

to own animals and look after them

Example

A few cows are kept to provide milk, cheese, and cream.

Example

I have been keeping tropical fish for twenty years.

Synonyms and related words
belong to own possess brand brand cattle prod
9

if food or other substances keep for a particular period of time, they stay in good condition for that period of time

Example

Perfume doesn't keep indefinitely, you know.

Example

The sauce will keep for two weeks in the fridge.

Synonyms and related words
maintain withstand stabilize
10

used for asking if someone is well

Example

Are you keeping well?

Example

How are you keeping?

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
11

to delay someone

Example

What kept you?

Example

I won't keep you long.

Synonyms and related words
delay set back hold up
12

used for saying that something is not urgent and can be told or done later

Example

Though Jessica managed to keep it together while in her granny's ward, she broke down completely on leaving the hospital.

Definition keep in British English

Related Words

Words related to keep:

earn your keep (phrase) out of someone’s hair (phrase) ahead (of the game) (phrase) an open mind (phrase) several balls in the air (phrase) your beady eye on someone (phrase) your ear to the ground (phrase) your eye on someone (phrase) your eye on something (phrase) your feet on the ground (phrase) keep (verb) keep (noun) keep (a) watch (phrase) keep (close) tabs on (phrase) keep a guard on your (phrase) keep a weather eye on (phrase) keep an eye on (phrase) keep an eye out for (phrase) keep at it (phrase) keep away (phrasal verb) keep back (phrasal verb) keep body and soul together (phrase) keep company with someone (phrase) keep count (of something) (phrase) keep down (phrasal verb) keep faith with (phrase) keep fit (noun) keep from (phrasal verb) keep going (phrase) keep hold of something (phrase) keep house (for someone) (phrase) keep in (phrasal verb) keep in with (phrasal verb) keep it on the dl (number) keep it simple (phrase) keep mum (phrase) keep off (phrasal verb) keep on (phrasal verb) keep out (phrasal verb) keep out of (phrasal verb) keep pace (with) (phrase) keep quiet about something (phrase) keep etc hours (phrase) keep score (phrase) keep someone at a distance (phrase) keep someone busy (phrase) keep someone company (phrase) keep someone guessing (phrase) keep someone on their toes (phrase) keep someone posted (phrase) keep someone sane (phrase) keep someone sweet (phrase) keep someone waiting (phrase) keep something in mind (phrase) keep something in proportion (phrase) keep something to yourself (phrase) keep something under wraps (phrase) keep something under your hat (phrase) keep the peace (phrase) keep the pot boiling (phrase) keep the wheels turning (phrase) keep the wolf from the door (phrase) keep time (phrase) keep to (phrasal verb) keep track (phrase) keep up (phrasal verb) keep up appearances (phrase) keep your cool (phrase) keep your distance (phrase) keep your ears open (phrase) keep your end up (phrase) keep your hair on (phrase) keep your hand in (phrase) keep your hands off (phrase) keep your head above water (phrase) keep your head down (phrase) keep your mouth shut (phrase) keep your nose clean (phrase) keep your nose out (phrase) keep your own counsel (phrase) keep your pecker up (phrase) keep your shirt on (phrase) keep your temper (with) (phrase) keep your trap shut (phrase) keep your voice down (phrase) keep your word (phrase) (keep your) chin up (phrase) keep yourself to yourself (phrase) the Sabbath (phrase) someone/something in check (phrase) something at bay (phrase) someone dangling (phrase) your options open (phrase) a low profile (phrase) a lid on something (phrase) something on ice (phrase) abreast of something (phrase) clear of (phrase) something until last (phrase) guard (phrase)