v. 1. To go ahead; not stop; continue. The neighbors asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on. Columbus kept on until he saw land. Often used before a present participle. Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees. The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to stop.
Synonym: GO ON.
Compare: KEEP AT, KEEP UP. 2. To allow to continue working for you. The new owner kept Fred on as gardener.