keep
keep Lexical Profile
keep Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To continue to have or hold in one's possession or control.
"You may keep the book for another week if you have not finished reading it."
To continue in or cause to remain in a specified condition, position, course, or action.
"She wore a heavy wool coat to keep warm during the winter commute."
To store or put in a customary or designated place.
"We always keep the extra house keys in the top kitchen drawer."
To honor, fulfill, or observe a commitment, promise, law, or custom.
"It is important to keep your word when managing a team."
To remain fresh and unspoiled for consumption over time (especially of food).
"Fresh milk will not keep for long if left out on the counter."
• noun
The strongest, central fortified tower of a medieval castle, acting as a final refuge during a siege.
"The tourists climbed the winding stone stairs to reach the top of the ancient castle keep."
The food, shelter, and other basic necessities required to support a person or animal.
"The apprentice worked hard in the carpentry shop to earn his keep."
• Rhymes for keep
Word Origin & Etymology
From late Old English 'cepan', meaning to seize, hold, or observe, though its ultimate Germanic origin remains uncertain.