Keep down
phrasal verb
To keep something or someone under control; to prevent something from increasing or spreading.
The government is trying to keep down inflation.
Often appears as...
- keep down costs
- keep down inflation
phrasal verb
To hold something so that it stays low; to prevent something from rising.
I had to keep the lid down so the pot wouldn't boil over.
Often appears as...
- keep the lid down
- keep the volume down
phrasal verb
To manage to swallow food or drink without vomiting, especially when you are feeling sick.
He's been so ill he can't keep anything down.
Often appears as...
- keep down food
- keep down drink
phrasal verb
To prevent someone from advancing or progressing.
She's just jealous and wants to keep me down.
Often appears as...
- keep someone down
- keep down progress
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To keep something or someone under control; to prevent something from increasing or spreading.
The government is trying to keep down inflation.
Often appears as...
- keep down costs
- keep down inflation
phrasal verb
To hold something so that it stays low; to prevent something from rising.
I had to keep the lid down so the pot wouldn't boil over.
Often appears as...
- keep the lid down
- keep the volume down
phrasal verb
To manage to swallow food or drink without vomiting, especially when you are feeling sick.
He's been so ill he can't keep anything down.
Often appears as...
- keep down food
- keep down drink
phrasal verb
To prevent someone from advancing or progressing.
She's just jealous and wants to keep me down.
Often appears as...
- keep someone down
- keep down progress
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to mean controlling a situation or problem.
The principal worked hard to keep down the rumors circulating in school.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
May imply struggle or difficulty in preventing growth or spread of something.
The company is trying desperately to keep down operational costs this year.
Pro Tip 1/2Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to mean controlling a situation or problem.
The principal worked hard to keep down the rumors circulating in school.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
May imply struggle or difficulty in preventing growth or spread of something.
The company is trying desperately to keep down operational costs this year.
Pro Tip 1/2Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to mean controlling a situation or problem.
The principal worked hard to keep down the rumors circulating in school.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
May imply struggle or difficulty in preventing growth or spread of something.
The company is trying desperately to keep down operational costs this year.
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