keep

Pronunciation

• enPR: kēp
• IPA ^(key): /kiːp/
• SAMPA: /ki:p/

• Audio (US)

  (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.
   • Synonyms: guard, protect, safeguard and reserve
   • Antonyms: leave unguarded and betray

   I will keep your money for you.

2. When you keep something, you do not give it back.
   • Antonyms: give, give back and return

   Keep the change.

3. (linking) When you keep safe, happy, quiet, etc, you stay that way.

   Keep quiet.

Related words

• keeper
• keepsake

Noun

Singular keep

Plural keeps

1. A keep is a special safe area of a castle.
   • Synonyms: castle, fortress and stronghold

   The king lived in the keep during the battle.