Phrase guide

keep off

verb · 3 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 stay or cause to stay at a distance (from).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: ambitransitive

Examples

  • Please keep off the grass.
  • You keep the dogs off while I go and knock on the door.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

refrain from entering or walking onto

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • keep off the grass
  • stay off the premises

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: stay off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: avoid

3

verb

Meaning 3

refrain from certain foods or beverages

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I keep off drugs
  • During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: avoid

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: abstain, refrain, desist

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: fernhalten — to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from)
  • Latin: abhibeo — to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from)
  • Portuguese: não deixar se aproximar — to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from)
  • Portuguese: não se aproximar — to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from)
  • Swedish: hålla borta — to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from)