keep

keep · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To have or retain possession of.

  2. 2.

    To continue in a specified condition, position, or activity.

  3. 3.

    To cause to remain in a specified state.

  4. 4.

    To provide for the sustenance of.

  5. 5.

    To honor or fulfill.

  6. 6.

    (of food) To remain in good condition.

  7. 7.

    The central tower of a castle.

  8. 8.

    One's maintenance or livelihood.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    keep up — maintain pace; continue
  • •
    keep on — continue doing
  • •
    keep off — stay away from
  • •
    keep to — adhere to; confine oneself to
  • •
    keep in mind — remember
  • •
    for keeps — permanently

Related words

Antonyms: discard, give away, lose
See also: hold, kept, maintain, retain
Synonyms: hold, maintain, preserve, retain

Etymology

From Old English "cēpan" (to seize, hold, observe), origin uncertain, possibly related to Old Norse "kopa" (to stare). The meaning evolved from "observe, watch" to "take care of" to "retain, maintain."