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keep

v. · n.
US //ˈkip// UK //kˈiːp// keep
Irregular verb past kept past participle kept
  1. 1 to continue a state (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to stay in a particular state or condition, or to make someone else stay that way.

    to cause to continue in a specified state, condition, or position.

    Example

    Please keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 to continue doing (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to do something again and again or without stopping.

    to continue a course of action or to repeat an action frequently.

    Example

    I keep forgetting where I put my car keys.

    Example

    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.

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  1. 3 to store or save (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to put something in a place to use it later, or to not give it back.

    to retain possession of something or to store it in a regular place.

    Example

    You can keep the change from the coffee.

    Example

    The archives keep original manuscripts in climate-controlled vaults to prevent the paper from deteriorating.
  2. 4 to follow a promise (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to do what you said you would do.

    to fulfill or adhere to a promise, law, or appointment.

    Example

    It is important to keep your promises if you want people to trust you.

    Example

    The diplomat worked tirelessly to ensure both nations would keep the terms of the peace treaty.
  3. 5 to stay fresh (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to stay in good condition without spoiling.

    to remain in good condition or stay fresh for a period of time.

    Example

    This milk will keep for another week in the fridge.

    Example

    Hard cheeses keep much longer than soft ones, making them ideal for long-distance transport without refrigeration.
  4. 6 castle tower (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the strongest, central tower of a castle.

    the innermost stronghold or central tower of a medieval castle.

    Example

    The soldiers retreated to the castle keep when the outer walls fell.

    Example

    The stone keep provided a final line of defence, featuring thick walls and narrow windows designed for archers.
  5. 7 cost of living (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the money or food needed to live.

    the cost of food, clothes, and other necessities for life.

    Example

    He worked in the garden to earn his keep while staying at the farm.

    Example

    The young apprentice was expected to earn his keep by performing menial tasks around the workshop before learning the trade.
Etymology 1

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).

Etymology 2

From Middle English kepe, kep, from the verb (see above).

Word family
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