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Antonyms for keep


Grammar : Verb
Spell : keep
Phonetic Transcription : kip



Definition of keep

Origin :
  • late Old English cepan "to seize, hold," also "to observe," from Proto-Germanic *kopijanan, but with no certain connection to other languages. It possibly is related to Old English capian "to look," from Proto-Germanic *kap- (cepan was used c.1000 to render Latin observare), which would make the basic sense "to keep an eye on."
  • The word prob. belongs primarily to the vulgar and non-literary stratum of the language; but it comes up suddenly into literary use c.1000, and that in many senses, indicating considerable previous development. [OED]
  • Sense of "preserve, maintain" is from mid-14c. Meaning "to maintain in proper order" is from 1550s; meaning "financially support and privately control" (usually in reference to mistresses) is from 1540s. Related: Kept; keeping.
  • verb hold, maintain
  • verb tend; provide for
  • verb prevent
  • verb commemorate; pay attention to
Example sentences :
  • When he finished, he said, "Now tell me where you keep your vegetables, Uncle Paul?"
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Being under his care, it was his duty to keep it in good condition.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Our hero, though strong-armed, had hard work to keep up with him.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • I could keep only the effect of its expression and the few tones of your voice I heard.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • He had entered into the path of dishonesty, and he was forced to keep on in it.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • I'll feel safe enough about my money as long as you keep your health.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Besides, it was not very substantial, and failed to keep up their wonted strength.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Unless you do as I bid you, I will keep you in irons for the rest of the voyage!
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • It is on Mr. Haley's account that I prefer to keep it secret.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • The struggle to keep alive during the cold period was terrible.
  • Extract from : « Ancient Man » by Hendrik Willem van Loon

Synonyms for keep

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019