keep
verb
uk/kiːp/ uskept | kept [ T ]
to have or continue to have something, and not lose it or have to give it back to somebody:
There is going to be a reorganization, but all the staff in the department will keep their jobs.
On arrival, you will be given an information pack, which is yours to keep.
Please keep all invoices relating to the sale.
[ T ]
to have available or for sale:
We always keep a good supply of the most popular magazines.
[ T ]
to store something in a particular place:
Where do we keep the items that are not on display?
They kept his details on file for future use.
[ I or T ]
to stay, or make something stay, in a particular place or condition:
When there's a crisis at work, it's important for managers to keep calm and be supportive.
keep sth moving/working/operating You must keep the assembly line moving at a steady rate.
keep sth organized/clean/available
The bank's policy is to keep interest rates low.
[ T ] (also keep on)
to continue to do something, or to do something again and again:
He kept missing deadlines.
keep (on) doing sth We kept on working long after everyone else had gone home.
[ T ]
to own and manage a small store:
His father kept a candy store in this neighborhood.
[ I ]
if food keeps, it stays fresh and in good condition:
This variety of apple keeps well.
keep an account/a record/a note
to make a record of events or other information so that you can refer to it later:
We keep a record of every sale in this database.
Always keep an account of how much you're spending.
keep an appointment
to go to a meeting or event that has been arranged:
She phoned to say she couldn't keep her appointment.
keep sth to yourself
to not tell other people about something:
My boss asked me to keep the information to myself until she could announce it formally.
keep sth under control
to check something, and make sure that it stays within a certain limit:
You must ensure that production costs are kept under control.
Phrasal verbs
keep sb on
keep sth back
keep sth down
keep sth from sb
keep sb/sth from sth
keep to sth
keep up (with sb/sth)
keep up with sth
keep sth up