keep

²keep

noun

Definition of KEEP

1

a archaic : custody, charge b : maintenance

2

: one that keeps or protects: as a : fortress, castle; specifically : the strongest and securest part of a medieval castle b : one whose job is to keep or tend c : prison, jail

3

: the means or provisions by which one is kept <earned his keep>

4

: keeper 5

— for keeps

1

a : with the provision that one keep what one has won <played marbles for keeps>

b : with deadly seriousness

2

: for an indefinitely long time : permanently

3

: with the result of ending the matter

Examples of KEEP

1. <the keep of the stable is mainly left to the two equine-loving daughters>

First Known Use of KEEP

1579

Related to KEEP

Synonyms: care and feeding, conservation, conserving, maintenance, preservation, preserving, sustentation, upkeep

Related Words: conservancy; support, sustaining; care, custody, guardianship; defense, guarding, protection, safeguarding, safekeeping

Near Antonyms: dereliction, disregard, ignoring, inattention, neglect, negligence; damage, demolition, destruction, harm, hurt, injury, ruin, ruination

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