Word
keep
US/ˈkip/
UK/kˈiːp/
Forms
Infinitive
keep
Past
kept
Past participle
kept
Definitions
01to continue a state
v. to stay in a particular state or condition, or to make someone else stay that way.
v. to cause to continue in a specified state, condition, or position.
“Please keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.”
“The manager struggled to keep the staff motivated during the long transition to the new software system.”
Usage
Often used as a copular verb followed by an adjective or a present participle.
02to continue doing
v. to do something again and again or without stopping.
v. to continue a course of action or to repeat an action frequently.
“I keep forgetting where I put my car keys.”
“Despite the technical difficulties, the researchers kept searching for a pattern in the data sets.”
Pitfall
He keeps to ask the same question.
He keeps asking the same question.
When 'keep' means to continue an action, it must be followed by the -ing form, not the infinitive.
03to store or save
v. to put something in a place to use it later, or to not give it back.
v. to retain possession of something or to store it in a regular place.
“You can keep the change from the coffee.”
“The archives keep original manuscripts in climate-controlled vaults to prevent the paper from deteriorating.”
04to follow a promise
v. to do what you said you would do.
v. to fulfill or adhere to a promise, law, or appointment.
“It is important to keep your promises if you want people to trust you.”
“The diplomat worked tirelessly to ensure both nations would keep the terms of the peace treaty.”
05to stay fresh
v. to stay in good condition without spoiling.
v. to remain in good condition or stay fresh for a period of time.
“This milk will keep for another week in the fridge.”
“Hard cheeses keep much longer than soft ones, making them ideal for long-distance transport without refrigeration.”
06castle tower
n. the strongest, central tower of a castle.
n. the innermost stronghold or central tower of a medieval castle.
“The soldiers retreated to the castle keep when the outer walls fell.”
“The stone keep provided a final line of defence, featuring thick walls and narrow windows designed for archers.”
Synonyms
07cost of living
n. the money or food needed to live.
n. the cost of food, clothes, and other necessities for life.
“He worked in the garden to earn his keep while staying at the farm.”
“The young apprentice was expected to earn his keep by performing menial tasks around the workshop before learning the trade.”
Formal
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English kepen (“to keep, guard, look after, watch”), from Old English cēpan (“to seize, hold, observe”), from Proto-West Germanic kōpijan, from Proto-Germanic kōpijaną (“to look, heed, watch, observe”) (compare West Frisian kypje (“to look”)), from Proto-Indo-European ǵab-, ǵāb- (“to look after”) (compare Lithuanian žẽbti (“to eat reluctantly”), Russian забо́та (zabóta, “care, worry”)). The dialectal sense of the verb meaning “to put back” or “put away” may be analyzed as a semantic loan from a local language—compare Welsh cadw and Mandarin 收 (shōu).
From Middle English kepe, kep, from the verb (see above).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Word family
Related words
Idioms
cobbler, keep to your last — One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
earn one's keep — To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
gift that keeps on giving — Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.
keep a civil tongue in one's head — To maintain a polite manner of speaking.
keep a close watch — to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
keep a cool head — To keep one's cool; to stay calm.
keep a lid on — To keep something secret.
keep a low profile — To be discreet and quiet.
keep a weather eye open — to maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying one's full attention.
keep an eye on — To watch and pay attention to, in case of misbehaviour or mishap.
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keep an eye open — To remain vigilant for someone or something.
keep an eye out — To watch for or look out for.
keep an eye peeled — To look out (for something) attentively.
keep company — To court.
keep good time — To be punctual.
keep house — To take care of domestic chores; work as a housekeeper.
keep it between the ditches — To stay out of trouble or follow a righteous (God-fearing) path.
keep it in the family — To restrict knowledge or information to only the members of a family or another small, intimate group.
keep it moving — To continue or advance notwithstanding any issue or obstacle.
keep it one hundred — To be authentic, to be true to oneself.
keep it real — In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.
keep it together — To maintain composure; to avoid an overly emotional reaction; to suppress an instinct or urge.
keep it up — To maintain or continue a positive streak.
keep off the streets — To inspire or cause (someone) to avoid idleness, unemployment, poverty, or antisocial behavior.
keep on — To persist or continue.
keep on about — To harp on; to continue to speak or discuss something repeatedly.
keep on truckin' — To continue or persist, regardless of circumstances or setbacks; to keep trying or striving.
keep one's cards close to one's chest — To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.
keep one's chin up — To remain positive and cheerful.
keep one's cool — To remain composed, calm, and even-tempered, especially in a provocative situation.
keep one's ears open — to listen for important information.
keep one's eye on the ball — To maintain one's concentration fixed on one important theme.
keep one's eyes peeled — To be on the alert, to be watchful.
keep one's fingers crossed — To hope for the best, to show support.
keep one's hair on — To stay calm; to be patient; to calm down.
keep one's head — To remain calm, reasonable, level-headed, especially in a situation likely to cause distress.
keep one's head above water — To survive or endure, especially in a situation in which one is struggling to avoid being overwhelmed by adverse financial circumstances.
keep one's head down — To avoid trouble or attention.
keep one's head on a swivel — To be on the alert, to be watchful.
keep one's knickers on — To stay calm; to not get flustered or angry.
keep one's lips sealed — To keep quiet; to keep a secret; to not tell.
keep one's mouth shut — To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly; broadly, to refrain from speaking altogether.
keep one's nose clean — To stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.
keep one's options open — To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.
keep one's pants on — To stay calm.
keep one's pecker up — To remain cheerful; keep smiling.
keep one's stick on the ice — To remain vigilant and ready for action.
keep one's temper — To remain calm; to avoid becoming angry or annoyed.
keep one's tits on — Synonym of keep one's hair on.
keep one's voice down — To hush or speak; softly or quietly.
keep pace — To run at the same speed as a pacesetter
keep quiet — To refrain from talking about something; to keep a secret.
keep shtum — Not tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
keep someone amused — To give someone entertaining or distracting things to do to prevent them from becoming bored.
keep someone busy — To ensure that someone's attention is occupied, often to prevent them from becoming bored or noticing something.
keep someone company — To remain with or accompany someone, especially to make them feel more comfortable with a certain situation.
keep someone in the loop — To furnish someone with sufficient relevant information and include them in the decision-making process.
keep someone on ice — To keep someone uninformed and waiting for a response.
keep someone on their toes — To keep someone attentive, active, busy or alert.
keep someone posted — To inform (someone) regularly of the latest developments.
keep someone sweet — To keep someone friendly or satisfied by complying with their wishes or preferences.
keep straight — To avoid confusing or mixing up something; to keep something clear or organized.
keep tabs on — To monitor; to keep track of; to watch.
keep the ball rolling — To continue an action indicated in the context; to sustain a process.
keep the bones green — To maintain good health and vitality.
keep the home fires burning — To maintain daily routine and provide the necessities of life in a home or community.
keep the peace — To maintain order and peace in a volatile situation.
keep the pot boiling — To maintain one's livelihood; to continue to procure the necessities of living.
keep the show on the road — To be able to proceed with a plan or project, often in the face of difficult circumstances.
keep the wolf from the door — To ward off poverty or hunger.
keep up — To continue with (work, etc).
keep up appearances — To artificially maintain an outward sign of normality; to maintain an appearance of wealth, comfort, or propriety.
keep up with the Joneses — To act or make purchases for status or image rather than out of need, especially for the purpose of competing with friends, neighbors, or society.
keep up with the times — To change one's ideas, views or way of living in order to stay current or modern.
keep watch — To guard; to watch over someone or something.
take a licking and keep on ticking — To be tough; to have endurance; to have the capacity to absorb stress or damage, but still be able to function.