English dictionary



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English verb: keep back

1. keep back (social) keep under control; keep in check


SamplesSuppress a smile.
Keep your temper.
Keep your cool.


Synonymshold back, keep, restrain


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Somebody ----s somebody PP


Broader (hypernym)bottle up, inhibit, suppress


Narrower (hyponym)bottle up, check, confine, contain, control, curb, hold, hold, hold in, inhibit, moderate, suppress

2. keep back (possession) secure and keep for possible future use or application


SamplesThe landlord retained the security deposit.
I reserve the right to disagree.


ExamplesThey keep back the money


Synonymshold, hold back, retain


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)hold on, keep


Narrower (hyponym)hold down

3. keep back (possession) hold back; refuse to hand over or share


SamplesThe father is withholding the allowance until the son cleans his room.


Synonymswithhold


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something from somebody


Broader (hypernym)deny, refuse


Narrower (hyponym)block, deny, deprive, freeze, immobilise, immobilise, immobilize, immobilize, keep to oneself, reserve









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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