keep

keep is part of the Basic English 850.

keep is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

keep

Pronunciation

• enPR: kēp
• IPA: /kiːp/
• SAMPA: /ki:p/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Verb

Plain form keep

Third person singular keeps

Simple past kept

Past participle kept

Present participle keeping

1. When you keep something for someone, you make something safe.

   I will keep your money for you.

2. When you keep something, you do not give it back.

   Keep the change.

3. (linking) When you keep, you stay.

   Keep quiet.

Synonyms

• (guard) guard, protect, safeguard
• (not give) reserve

Antonyms

• (guard) leave unguarded, betray
• (not give) give, give back, return

Related words

• keeper
• keepsake

Noun

Singular keep

Plural keeps

1. A keep is a special safe area of a castle.

   The king lived in the keep during the battle.

Synonyms

• castle
• fortress
• stronghold