keeps
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkips// UK //kˈiːps// keeps
n. something you have or do forever. You usually use this word in the phrase 'for keeps' to show that a situation is permanent.
n. a state of permanence or finality, typically used in the prepositional phrase 'for keeps'.
Are you giving me this book for keeps?
When they signed the final contract, they knew the partnership was for keeps.
In childhood games, playing for keeps meant that any items won during the match would not be returned to the original owner afterward.
Usage
Almost exclusively used in the idiomatic phrase 'for keeps'.
Pitfall
I want to stay here for keepI want to stay here for keepsThe idiom 'for keeps' always requires the plural form, even though it refers to a single state of permanence.