OpenSynonym

keep

/kiːp/

VERB

1. Retaining possession

To continue having, owning, or possessing something rather than giving it away, losing it, or disposing of it.

1.1. Possessing and retaining something

Used to describe continuing to own, hold, or retain something in one's possession instead of transferring or surrendering it.

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Examples

  • She decided to keep the family photographs as treasured memories.
  • You can keep the book after finishing the course.
  • He chose to keep his old car rather than sell it.

Related Words

1.2. Storing and saving for future use

Used to describe putting something away, storing it safely, or accumulating resources for later use.

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Examples

  • They keep extra supplies in the basement for emergencies.
  • She keeps a portion of her monthly income for future expenses.
  • The farmer keeps enough grain to last through the winter.

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VERB

2. Maintaining a state or condition

To cause something to remain in a particular state, condition, position, or situation without allowing it to change or deteriorate.

2.1. Maintaining a condition or quality

Used to describe preserving the existing condition, quality, or characteristics of something over time.

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Examples

  • Regular maintenance helps keep the building in good condition.
  • The company works hard to keep its products at a consistently high standard.
  • Proper storage helps keep food fresh for longer.

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2.2. Remaining in a particular state or position

Used to describe causing someone or something to stay in a specific position, condition, or state rather than changing or moving elsewhere.

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Examples

  • Please keep the door closed while the air conditioner is running.
  • The driver managed to keep the vehicle under control.
  • She tried to keep her voice calm during the discussion.

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2.3. Continuing an activity or course of action

Used to describe continuing an activity, behavior, or process without stopping, interrupting, or abandoning it.

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Examples

  • Keep practicing every day if you want to improve your skills.
  • The team continued working to keep the project on schedule.
  • Despite the difficulties, she kept moving forward.

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VERB

3. Taking care of someone or something

To look after, protect, provide for, or attend to the needs and well-being of someone or something.

3.1. Caring for people and animals

Used to describe looking after someone by providing attention, supervision, assistance, and the necessary care for their well-being.

Synonyms

  • care for
  • look after
  • tend
  • nurture
  • nourish
  • attend to
  • minister to
  • watch over
  • guard

Antonyms

Examples

  • She agreed to keep her neighbor's dog while he was away.
  • The nurse keeps elderly patients comfortable and safe.
  • Parents must keep their children protected from potential dangers.

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3.2. Providing food and basic necessities

Used to describe supporting someone by providing food, shelter, financial assistance, or other necessities required for daily living.

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Examples

  • He works two jobs to keep his family financially secure.
  • The organization helps keep food on the tables of struggling families.
  • The charity provides assistance to keep vulnerable children properly fed.

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VERB

4. Observing rules and fulfilling obligations

To comply with established rules, agreements, promises, traditions, or responsibilities by acting according to their requirements.

4.1. Following rules and regulations

Used to describe obeying laws, regulations, instructions, or established standards of conduct.

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Examples

  • All employees must keep the company's safety regulations.
  • Drivers are required to keep within the speed limit.
  • The students must keep the rules established by their school.

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4.2. Keeping promises and commitments

Used to describe honoring promises, fulfilling agreements, and carrying out obligations that someone has undertaken.

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Examples

  • It is important to keep your promises to maintain trust.
  • The company kept its commitment to deliver the products on time.
  • He always keeps his word, even when circumstances become difficult.

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4.3. Observing holidays and traditions

Used to describe celebrating or observing a holiday, religious occasion, anniversary, or traditional event according to established customs.

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Examples

  • Many families keep traditional celebrations during the holiday season.
  • The community keeps the annual festival alive through its customs.
  • They gather every year to keep the memory of their ancestors alive.

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VERB

5. Preventing movement or escape

To restrain, confine, or prevent someone or something from moving freely, escaping, or passing beyond a particular limit.

5.1. Detaining and confining people

Used to describe holding someone in custody, restricting their freedom, or preventing them from leaving a particular place.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The authorities kept the suspect in custody for questioning.
  • The guards kept the prisoners inside the secure facility.
  • The police kept the individual detained until further investigation.

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5.2. Preventing or restricting something

Used to describe stopping something from happening, progressing, entering, or moving beyond a certain boundary or limit.

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Examples

  • The new regulations help keep pollution levels under control.
  • Close the windows to keep insects out of the house.
  • The security measures are designed to keep unauthorized visitors away.

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VERB

6. Managing and operating

To manage, administer, supervise, or be responsible for the operation of an organization, activity, or establishment.

6.1. Managing an organization or business

Used to describe being responsible for directing, organizing, administering, or supervising the activities of a business or institution.

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Examples

  • She keeps a small family business in the city center.
  • The director keeps the organization running efficiently.
  • He has been keeping the restaurant for more than twenty years.

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6.2. Maintaining records and accounts

Used to describe maintaining, organizing, or recording information systematically, particularly financial accounts, documents, and business records.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • neglect
  • discard
  • destroy
  • erase
  • mismanage

Examples

  • The accountant keeps accurate records of every business transaction.
  • She keeps a detailed journal of her daily activities.
  • The office keeps copies of all important documents.

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VERB

7. Remaining faithful or loyal

To remain faithful, committed, or devoted to someone, something, or a particular principle over time.

7.1. Loyalty and faithfulness

Used to describe remaining loyal to a person, relationship, belief, or commitment without abandoning one's allegiance or devotion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • betray
  • abandon
  • forsake
  • desert
  • disown
  • renounce

Examples

  • She promised to keep faith with her friends through difficult times.
  • He continued to keep his loyalty to the organization.
  • The community kept its commitment to the values established by its founders.

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NOUN

8. A castle's fortified central tower

The strongest and most heavily fortified tower within a medieval castle or fortress, traditionally used as a place of defense and refuge.

8.1. Castle architecture and fortifications

Refers to the principal fortified tower of a castle, serving as a defensive stronghold and sometimes as the residence of its lord.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The soldiers retreated to the keep when the outer walls were breached.
  • The ancient castle's keep stood prominently above the surrounding walls.
  • Visitors explored the medieval keep to learn about the fortress's history.

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NOUN

9. Care and financial support

The food, money, shelter, and other necessities provided to support someone's life and well-being.

9.1. Living expenses and maintenance

Refers to the financial resources and material necessities required to maintain someone's livelihood, particularly when provided by another person.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • deprivation
  • destitution
  • starvation
  • neglect

Examples

  • He worked hard to earn enough money for the keep of his family.
  • The agreement required him to provide for the child's keep.
  • The household expenses included food, accommodation, and the keep of the staff.

Related Words

NOUN

10. Custody and responsibility

The state or responsibility of having someone or something under one's care, protection, supervision, or control.

10.1. Custody and safekeeping

Refers to the responsibility of looking after, guarding, or maintaining possession of someone or something entrusted to one's care.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The valuable documents were placed in the keep of the museum curator.
  • The children remained in the keep of their grandparents.
  • The property was entrusted to the keep of a responsible guardian.

Related Words