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| keep [ keep ] |
verb (past and past participle kept [ kept ], present participle keep·ing, 3rd person present singular keeps) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb possess something: to hold or maintain something in your possession
  The sample is yours to keep.
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2. transitive verb maintain condition of something: to maintain somebody or something in a particular place or condition
Keep your arm up.
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3. transitive verb store something: to store something in a place when it is not in use
kept the keys in a drawer
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4. transitive and intransitive verb continue: to cause somebody or something to continue in a particular way or activity, or continue in a particular way
kept working
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5. transitive verb safeguard information: to refrain from telling a secret or giving other information
keep a secret
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6. transitive verb save something: to save something for later use or withhold something from use
kept some in reserve
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7. transitive verb be true to something: to fulfill a promise or other verbal commitment
kept his word
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8. transitive verb fulfill religious duty: to observe a religious obligation
keep kosher
keep the Sabbath
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9. transitive verb maintain record: to create or maintain something as a written record
keep a diary
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10. intransitive verb stay: to remain in a particular condition
keep warm
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11. intransitive verb maintain course: to follow a particular course or direction
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12. intransitive verb not spoil: to remain fresh or in a usable condition
That fish won't keep in this hot weather.
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13. intransitive verb do something repeatedly: to repeat an action a number of times
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14. intransitive verb not require attention: to be able to be postponed
The dusting will keep until tomorrow.
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15. transitive verb have something for sale: to have something in stock in order to sell it
keep a large selection of scarves
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16. transitive verb detain somebody: to make somebody wait or prevent somebody from going
I won't keep you a moment.
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17. transitive verb look after somebody or something: to take care of a person or animal, providing what is required to live
keep pets
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18. transitive verb have animal as livestock: to raise an animal for profit
keep cattle
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19. transitive verb employ somebody: to employ somebody, especially in a household
keep servants
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20. transitive verb run business or household: to maintain a business, house, or other establishment
keeps house for the ambassador
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21. transitive verb support somebody financially: to provide financially for a spouse or lover
(
dated
)
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22. transitive verb Malaysia put something away: to put something in the place where it is normally stored or kept ready for use
I must just keep these papers in my desk before I leave.
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noun (plural keeps) |
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| Definition: |
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1. maintenance: food and lodging, or whatever somebody needs to live
work for your keep
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2. castle part: a stronghold or the innermost fortified part of a castle
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| [ Old English cēpan "take, observe," origin ?] |
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for keeps permanently or forever (informal)
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keep going to continue despite difficulty or adversity
I don't know how she kept going after John died.
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keep something to yourself to refrain from revealing something
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keep (yourself) to yourself to avoid mixing or communicating with other people
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