keep

noun

  1. 1

    a cell in a jail or prison

  2. 2

    the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

  3. 3

    the financial means whereby one lives

    each child was expected to pay for their keep

    he applied to the state for support

verb

  1. 1

    prevent (food) from rotting

    preserved meats

    keep potatoes fresh

  2. 2

    stick to correctly or closely

    The pianist kept time with the metronome

    keep count

  3. 3

    maintain by writing regular records

    keep a diary

    maintain a record

  4. 4

    supply with necessities and support

    She alone sustained her family

    The money will sustain our good cause

  5. 5

    hold and prevent from leaving

    The student was kept after school

  6. 6

    retain possession of

    Can I keep my old stuffed animals?

    She kept her maiden name after she married

  7. 7

    look after; be the keeper of; have charge of

    He keeps the shop when I am gone

  8. 8

    maintain for use and service

    I keep a car in the countryside

    She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips

  9. 9

    have as a supply

    I always keep batteries in the freezer

    keep food for a week in the pantry

Synonyms

Also useful for “keep”:Scrabble