Pronunciation: ' k ē p
Function: verb
Inflected Form: kept \ ' kept \ ; keep · ing
Etymology: Middle English kepen, from Old English c ē pan; perhaps akin to Old High German chapf ē n to look
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to take notice of by appropriate conduct : FULFILL : as a : to be faithful to < keep a promise> b : to act fittingly in relation to < keep the Sabbath> c : to conform to in habits or conduct < keep late hours> d : to stay in accord with (a beat) < keep time>
2 : PRESERVE , MAINTAIN : as a : to watch over and defend < keep us from harm> b (1) : to take care of : TEND < keep a garden> (2) : SUPPORT (3) : to maintain in a good, fitting, or orderly condition ― usually used with up c : to continue to maintain < keep watch> d (1) : to cause to remain in a given place, situation, or condition < keep him waiting> (2) : to preserve (food) in an unspoiled condition e (1) : to have or maintain in an established position or relationship < keep a mistress> ― often used with on < kept the cook on> (2) : to lodge or feed for pay < keep boarders> f (1) : to maintain a record in < keep a diary> (2) : to enter in a book < keep records> g : to have customarily in stock for sale
3 a : to restrain from departure or removal : DETAIN < keep children after school> b : HOLD BACK , RESTRAIN < keep them from going> < kept him back with difficulty> c : SAVE , RESERVE < keep some for later> < kept some out for a friend> d : to refrain from revealing < keep a secret>
4 a : to retain in one's possession or power < kept the money we found> b : to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing < kept the news back> c : to have in control < keep your temper>
5 : to confine oneself to < keep my room>
6 a : to stay or continue in < keep the path> < keep your seat> b : to stay or remain on or in usually against opposition : HOLD < kept her ground>
7 : CONDUCT , MANAGE < keep a tearoom>
intransitive verb
1 chiefly British : LIVE , LODGE
2 a : to maintain a course, direction, or progress < keep to the right> b : to continue usually without interruption < keep talking> < keep quiet> < keep on smiling> c : to persist in a practice < kept bothering them> < kept on smoking in spite of warnings>
3 : STAY , REMAIN < keep out of the way> < keep off the grass>: as a : to stay even ― usually used with up < keep up with the Joneses> b : to remain in good condition <meat will keep in the freezer> c : to remain secret <the secret would keep > d : to call for no immediate action <the matter will keep until morning>
4 : ABSTAIN , REFRAIN <can't keep from talking>
5 : to be in session <school will keep through the winter ― W. M. Thayer>
6 of a quarterback : to retain possession of a football especially after faking a handoff
– keep an eye on : WATCH
– keep at : to persist in doing or concerning oneself with
– keep company : to go together as frequent companions or in courtship
– keep house : to manage a household
– keep one's distance or keep at a distance : to stay aloof : maintain a reserved attitude
– keep one's eyes open or keep one's eyes peeled : to be on the alert : be watchful
– keep one's hand in : to keep in practice
– keep one's head down : to avoid attracting notice
– keep one's nose clean : to avoid trouble especially through good behavior
– keep pace : to stay even also : KEEP UP 1
– keep step : to keep in step
– keep to
1 a : to stay in b : to limit oneself to
2 : to abide by
– keep to oneself
1 : to keep secret < kept the facts to myself >
2 : to remain solitary or apart from other people
synonyms KEEP , OBSERVE , CELEBRATE , COMMEMORATE mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. KEEP stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating < kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. OBSERVE suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. CELEBRATE suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. COMMEMORATE suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event < commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.
synonyms KEEP , RETAIN , DETAIN , WITHHOLD , RESERVE mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. KEEP may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control < keep this while I'm gone>. RETAIN implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. DETAIN suggests a delay in letting go < detained them for questioning>. WITHHOLD implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go < withheld information from the authorities>. RESERVE suggests a keeping in store for future use < reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.