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