the financial means whereby one lives
"each child was expected to pay for their keep"
"he applied to the state for support"
"he could no longer earn his own livelihood"
The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
"The ancient keep still stands as the strongest part of the ruined fortress after centuries of storms."
In plain English: A keep is an old tower that was built to protect a castle from enemies.
"The ship had enough ballast to keep its stability in rough seas."
Usage: In everyday English, "keep" is almost exclusively used as a verb meaning to retain possession or maintain a state. It is rarely used as a noun in modern conversation; if referring to the central tower of a castle, you must use the specific term "keep" only when discussing historical architecture.
allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
"We cannot continue several servants any longer"
"She retains a lawyer"
"The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"
"Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"
"We kept the work going as long as we could"
"She retained her composure"
"this garment retains its shape even after many washings"
have as a supply
"I always keep batteries in the freezer"
"keep food for a week in the pantry"
"She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator"
To continue in (a course or mode of action); not to intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.
"After weeks of struggling with his grades, he decided to keep up the rigorous study schedule that finally got him into college."
In plain English: To keep means to hold onto something so you don't lose it or give it away.
"Please keep an eye on your bag while you are shopping."
Usage: Use "keep" to indicate continuing an action over time without stopping, such as keeping a promise or keeping up with a task. It functions as the standard verb for maintaining a state or course rather than simply having something in your possession.
A surname.
"Many people don't realize that Keep is actually a common family name in Ireland and Scotland."
The word "keep" comes from Old English, where it originally meant to seize or hold something. Over time, this sense of grasping evolved into the modern meanings of guarding, watching over, and maintaining care for something.