keep

keep is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

• enPR: kēp
• IPA: /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.

   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 safe, happy, quiet, etc, you stay that way.

   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