Definition of "keep" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To continue in (a course or mode of action); to not intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.

   • to keep silence;  to keep possession

2. (transitive) To remain faithful to a given promise or word.

   • to keep one's word;  to keep one's promise

3. (transitive) To hold the status of something.

4. (intransitive) To hold or be held in a state.

5. (obsolete) To wait for, keep watch for.

6. (intransitive, cricket) To act as wicket-keeper.

   • Godfrey Evans kept for England for many years.

7. (intransitive, obsolete) To take care; to be solicitous; to watch.

8. (intransitive, obsolete) To be in session; to take place.

   • School keeps today.

9. (transitive) To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; to not swerve from or violate.

10. (transitive, dated, by extension) To visit (a place) often; to frequent.

11. (transitive, dated) To observe or celebrate (a holiday).

    • to keep the Sabbath
    • The feast of St. Stephen is kept on December 26.

12. (transitive, Singapore) To put (something) back; to put away.

    • Help me keep all these books, thanks.

noun

1. (historical) The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.

2. The food or money required to keep someone alive and healthy; one's support, maintenance.

   • He works as a cobbler's apprentice for his keep.

3. The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case.

   • to be in good keep

4. (engineering) A cap for holding something, such as a journal box, in place.

5. (obsolete) The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge; notice.

6. (obsolete) That which is kept in charge; a charge.

7. (euphemistic, obsolete) A mistress (the other woman in an extramarital relationship, generally including sexual relations).