keep (someone or something) back

idiom

1
: to not allow (someone) to go near something
The police kept the spectators back.
2
US : to not allow (a student) to advance to the next grade level
usually used as (be) kept back
Students who fail the exam may be kept back a year.
3
British : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
She was kept back for talking in class.
4
: to not allow (something) to appear or be known
He struggled to keep back his tears.
The government kept back some crucial information from the media.

Examples of keep (someone or something) back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gonsolin has shown an ability post-surgery to keep something back for big spots. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Keep (someone or something) back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20back. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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