1.
If you keep the number, size, or amount of something down , you do not let it get bigger or go higher.
The prime aim is to keep inflation down...
Administration costs were kept down to just £460.
PHRASAL VERB : V n P , V P n (not pron)
2.
If someone keeps a group of people down , they prevent them from getting power and status and being completely free.
No matter what a woman tries to do to improve her situation, there is some barrier or attitude to keep her down.
= hold back
PHRASAL VERB : V n P , also V P n (not pron)
3.
If you keep food or drink down , you manage to swallow it properly and not vomit, even though you feel sick.
I tried to give her something to drink but she couldn’t keep it down.
PHRASAL VERB : V n P