Keep: meaning, definitions and examples

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keep

 

[ kiːp ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

maintain

To continue to have or hold something; to not let go of something. To continue to possess or own something. To continue to follow a particular course of action or condition.

Synonyms

hold on to, maintain, preserve, retain

Examples of usage

  • I will keep this book for you until you come back.
  • She keeps a diary to record her daily activities.
  • We need to keep our promises.
  • He keeps his word.
Context #2 | Noun

control

The act of maintaining or preserving something in a certain state or condition. The responsibility or role of overseeing the well-being or safety of something or someone.

Synonyms

care, custody, guardianship

Examples of usage

  • She has the keep of the castle while the king is away.
  • It is your keep to ensure the safety of the passengers on board.

Translations

Translations of the word "keep" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manter

🇮🇳 रखना

🇩🇪 behalten

🇮🇩 menyimpan

🇺🇦 зберігати

🇵🇱 zachować

🇯🇵 保つ (tamotsu)

🇫🇷 garder

🇪🇸 guardar

🇹🇷 saklamak

🇰🇷 유지하다 (yujihada)

🇸🇦 احتفظ

🇨🇿 udržet

🇸🇰 udržať

🇨🇳 保持 (bǎochí)

🇸🇮 ohraniti

🇮🇸 halda

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 შენახვა

🇦🇿 saxlamaq

🇲🇽 guardar

Word origin

The word 'keep' has its origins in Old English 'cēpan' which means 'to seize' or 'to hold'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include concepts of retaining, maintaining, and controlling. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, from medieval castles where the 'keep' was the central stronghold, to modern usage in terms of maintaining relationships or possessions.

See also: keeper, keeping, keepsake, keepsakes, upkeep.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #440, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.