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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.
Especially young John, who knew what to keep out of his mother's eyesight when the anniversary was drawing near. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 Some repellents can discourage chewing, but this won't keep out squirrels that have already found a way in. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025 Over more than five days, enforcement actions disrupted life across the city, resulting in business closures, children kept out of school, and widespread fear in the community. Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025 While larger types of yard waste like tree branches must be kept out of trash carts, smaller items such as twigs, leaves and weeds can typically be thrown away, according to city policy. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2025.

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