keep out

phrasal verb

kept out; keeping out; keeps out
1
: to not enter a place
The sign on the door said "Keep out!"
2
: to stop or prevent (someone or something) from entering a place
The curtains help keep out the drafts.

Examples of keep out 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.
This protection will keep out the worst of the worst mattress offenders, like mildew, mold, and the dreaded bed bug. Julia Forbes, Wired News, 23 June 2025 Was generally kept out of the side by Pantilimon, though. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025 In Boulder, more than 140 million pounds of materials have been kept out of landfills since a deconstruction ordinance was adopted in 2020, according to the city of Boulder's circular economy policy adviser, Emily Freeman. Rae Solomon, NPR, 13 June 2025 But Democrats have previously pushed back against efforts that would rein in the administration’s ability to increase benefits, particularly as research has found millions were kept out of poverty after SNAP benefits were boosted during the coronavirus pandemic. Aris Folley, The Hill, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep out

Cite this Entry

“Keep out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20out. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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