Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

keep down

verb

Definition of keep down

transitive verb
1 : to keep in control
  • keep expenses down
2 : to prevent from growing, advancing, or succeeding

First Known Use of keep down

1548

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Learn More about keep down

  1. See words that rhyme with keep down Nglish: Translation of keep down for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up keep down? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games