Akademik

keep
keep keep [kiːp] verb kept PTandPP [kept]
1. [transitive] to store something that will be useful:

• The Credit Reference Agency keeps files on individuals' debt records.

• You should keep a supply of forms.

2. keep a record/​log/​account etc to regularly record written information somewhere
keep to something phrasal verb [transitive]
to do what you have promised or agreed to do:

• Members of staff will promote standards of conduct and will try to keep to them.

keep somebody → on phrasal verb [transitive]
to continue to employ someone:

• He was hoping they would keep him on after Christmas.

keep up phrasal verb
1. [transitive] keep something → up to prevent something from falling to a lower level:
keep up with

• The high demand for cereals was responsible for keeping agricultural wages up with prices.

2. [transitive] keep something → up to continue to make payments such as rent etc on time:

• Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage.

3. [intransitive] to achieve the same rate of progress as other people, organizations etc, so that they do not have an advantage over you:

• Some firms have used technical agreements with foreign enterprises to keep up technologically.

keep up with

• We have to move fast to keep up with our competitors.

* * *

keep UK US /kiːp/ verb (kept, kept)
[T] to have or continue to have something, and not lose it or have to give it back to somebody: »

There is going to be a reorganization, but all the staff in the department will keep their jobs.

»

On arrival, you will be given an information pack, which is yours to keep.

»

Please keep all invoices relating to the sale.

[T] to have available or for sale: »

We always keep a good supply of the most popular magazines.

[T] to store something in a particular place: »

Where do we keep the items that are not on display?

»

They kept his details on file for future use.

[I or T] to stay, or make something stay, in a particular place or condition: »

When there's a crisis at work, it's important for managers to keep calm and be supportive.

keep sth moving/working/operating »

You must keep the assembly line moving at a steady rate.

»

keep sth organized/clean/available

»

The bank's policy is to keep interest rates low.

[T] (also keep on) to continue to do something, or to do something again and again: »

He kept missing deadlines.

keep (on) doing sth »

We kept on working long after everyone else had gone home.

[T] to own and manage a small store: »

His father kept a candy store in this neighborhood.

[I] if food keeps, it stays fresh and in good condition: »

This variety of apple keeps well.

keep an account/a record/a note — Cf. keep an account/a recorda/ note
keep an appointment — Cf. keep an appointment
keep sth to yourself — Cf. keep sth to yourself
keep sth under control — Cf. keep sth under control

Financial and business terms. 2012.