verb

keep

verb

To hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it.

"You can keep the book, I have another copy."

"She kept all her old letters in a box."

To continue doing something, or to stay in a particular state.

"Keep going, we're nearly there."

"Please keep quiet during the performance."

To look after, guard, or support someone or something.

"They keep chickens in the back garden."

"He worked two jobs to keep his family."

To honour or fulfil a promise, rule, or appointment.

"She always keeps her word."

noun

The central, most heavily fortified tower of a castle.

"The soldiers retreated to the keep as the walls fell."

The food, money, and other necessities needed to support a person.

"He pays for his keep by helping around the farm."

How to Use Keep

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo hold on to, continue, look after, or stay in a state — one of English's most flexible everyday verbs.

Common mistake

Note the fixed phrase "for keeps" (permanently), and "earn one's keep" (justify the cost of supporting someone).

Common pairings

keep going keep in touch keep a promise keep quiet earn your keep

Word Forms

kept past tense, keep plural, kept plural, keeps plural, Keeps plural, keeps singular, keep singular, kept singular, keepest singular, keptst singular, keptest singular, keepeth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

You can _____ the book, I have another copy.

Etymology

From Old English cēpan ("to seize, observe, take heed of"), a Germanic verb originally about watching and taking care.

Rhymes for keep

eep weep deep seep peep Jeep beep meep creep sheep sleep sweep

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