English dictionary



Hint: Click 'Bookmark' to add this page to your favorites.

English verb: keep up

1. keep up (competition) maintain a required pace or level


SamplesHe could not keep up and dropped out of the race.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Narrower (hyponym)keep pace, keep step


Entailcompete, contend, vie

2. keep up (stative) lengthen or extend in duration or space


SamplesWe sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible.
Prolong the treatment of the patient.
Keep up the good work.


Synonymsprolong, sustain


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)bear on, carry on, continue, preserve, uphold


Narrower (hyponym)continue, keep, keep on, retain

3. keep up (possession) keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction


SamplesWe preserve these archeological findings.
The old lady could not keep up the building.
Children must be taught to conserve our national heritage.
The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts.


Synonymsconserve, maintain, preserve


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)keep


Narrower (hyponym)embalm, hold the line, plastinate

4. keep up (change) keep informed


SamplesHe kept up on his country's foreign policies.


Synonymsfollow, keep abreast


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


Verb groupfollow, trace

5. keep up (body) prevent from going to bed at night


SamplesThe anticipation of the trip kept the children up all night.
I kept myself up all night studying for the exam.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Causesit up, stay up









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2025 onlineordbog.dk