keep

//kiːp//
A2Frequency Level 2Neutral
Visual representation of keep

Verb

keepInfinitive
keepPresent tense
keptPast tense
keptPast participle
keepingPresent participle
keepsThird-person singular
1

to have or continue to have something in your possession or control

You can keep the book until next week.

2

to remain in a particular state, condition, or position

Please keep quiet during the meeting.

3

to continue doing something or to cause something to continue

She kept working even though she was tired.

4

to store or put something in a particular place

I keep my keys in this drawer.

5

to prevent someone from leaving or to detain

The police kept him at the station for questioning.

6

to take care of or look after someone or something

She keeps chickens in her backyard.

7

to fulfill or honor a promise, commitment, or appointment

She always keeps her promises.

8

to maintain records or accounts

She keeps a record of all her expenses.

Noun

1

food and other necessities for living; sustenance

He works hard to earn his keep.

2

the strongest or central tower of a castle, used as a final defensive position

The soldiers retreated to the keep when the outer walls were breached.

keep - Deep Vocabulary