keep

verb (CONTINUE TO HAVE)

/kiːp/ (kept, kept)

Definition

A2 [T] to have or continue to have in your possession: Do you want this photograph back or can I keep it? Keep medicines in a locked cupboard (= store them there). → See also well keptKeeping and storing things › [T] to own and manage a small shop: My uncle kept a little tobacconist's in Gloucester.Buying and selling in generalManaging and organizing B2 [T] If you keep animals, you own and take care of them, but not in your home as pets: to keep pigs/goats/chickensAnimal farming - general words › [T] US to watch and care for someone's children while their parents are away: Jody will keep the children while I shop.Parenting and caring for children keep your promise/word B2 to do what you have told someone that you would do: I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it.Making and breaking promises and commitments keep an appointment › to go to a meeting or event that has been arranged: She phoned to say she couldn't keep her appointment.Plans and arrangements keep a diary, an account, a record, etc. B2 to make a regular record of events or other information so that you can refer to it later: I've kept a diary for twelve years now. Keep an account of how much you're spending.Writing and typing keep a secret B1 to not tell anyone a secret that you knowMaking and breaking promises and commitments keep time › (of a watch or clock) to show the correct time: Does your watch keep good time?Watches and clocks keep goal › to be the player who defends your team's goal by trying to prevent players from the other team scoring goalsGeneral terms used in ball sports

(Definition of keep verb (CONTINUE TO HAVE) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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