keep down
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle down
Meanings
Prevent from rising or escaping
Why “down”? Something is pressed down and kept from rising again.
“She couldn't keep her food down.”
“He could not keep the soup down.”
Don't confuse with
Keep down means prevent from rising or escaping. Keep up means continue at the same level or rate.
Test yourself
“She couldn't keep her food down.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
keep up
A contrast learners often mix up
Continue at the same level or rate; Move at the same speed as someone else; Stay informed about something current; Prevent someone from going to bed or sleeping; Prevent something from falling down; Maintain pretences, an appearance or a habit; Match the social or financial standard of others
bog down
Same down pattern: pressure
Slow or get stuck
bring down
Same down pattern: pressure
Cause something to fall or land; Make something lower in level or amount; Cause a government or leader to lose power; Make someone feel sad or depressed
clamp down
Same down pattern: pressure
Impose strict control
crack down
Same down pattern: pressure
Take strict action against bad behaviour
face down
Same down pattern: pressure
Confront a challenge or opponent directly
hold down
Same down pattern: pressure
Keep someone or something restrained
hunker down
Same down pattern: pressure
Take cover; settle in low
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