Phrase guide

keep down

verb · 9 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To repress.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The dictatorial state keeps down its dissidents very efficiently.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To restrain or control (a sound).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • We must keep the noise down, or the neighbours will complain.
  • Keep it down in there! Some of us are trying to sleep!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To cause not to increase or rise.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • It is essential to keep the numbers down to avoid overcrowding.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To retain in the stomach without vomiting.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • It is difficult to keep anything down when you have the flu.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To lie low; to stay concealed by not standing up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • You had better keep down or they will see you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To refrain from using capital letters more than absolutely necessary.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

Topics: media, printing, publishing

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: keep up

7

verb

Meaning 7

manage not to throw up

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: vomit

8

verb

Meaning 8

place a limit on the number of

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: number

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: limit, circumscribe, confine

9

verb

Meaning 9

put down by force or intimidation

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
  • China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
  • The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: repress, quash, subdue, subjugate, reduce

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: oppress, suppress, crush

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.