Dictionary definition · keep
noun
- the financial means whereby one lives"each child was expected to pay for their keep"
- the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
- a cell in a jail or prison
verb
- cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity"hold in place"
- continue a certain state, condition, or activity"Keep on working!"
- retain possession of"Can I keep my old stuffed animals?"
- stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state"We must prevent the cancer from spreading"
- conform one's action or practice to"keep appointments"
- stick to correctly or closely"The pianist kept time with the metronome"
- look after; be the keeper of; have charge of"He keeps the shop when I am gone"
- maintain by writing regular records"keep a diary"
- supply with room and board"He is keeping three women in the guest cottage"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).