keep

Universal Words verb, noun verb (kept, kept ) stay 1 to stay in a particular condition or position; to make sb/sth do this: [V-ADJ] We huddled together to keep warm. * [V+adv./prep.] The notice said 'Keep off (= Do not walk on) the grass'. * Keep left along the wall. * [VN-ADJ] She kept the children amused for hours. * [VN] [usually +adv./prep.] He kept his coat on. * Don't keep us in suspense-what happened next? * She had trouble keeping her balance. * [VN-ing] I'm very sorry to keep you waiting. continue 2 [V-ing] ~ (on) doing sth to continue doing sth; to do sth repeatedly: Keep smiling! * I wish you wouldn't keep on interrupting me! delay 3 [VN] to delay sb: You're an hour late-what kept you? not give back 4 [VN] to continue to have sth and not give it back or throw it away: Here's a five dollar bill-please keep the change. * I keep all her letters. save for sb 5 ~ sth (for sb)