keep out

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Prevent someone or something from entering

Why “out”? Out can mean away from sight, people, or access. You cannot see it, reach it, or join it.

The fence keeps the dog out.
The fence stops the dog from entering.
A barrier kept Maya and Leo out while staff checked the club list.
The barrier stopped Maya and Leo from entering the club.

Don't confuse with

keep outkeep up

Keep out means stop someone or something from entering. Keep up means continue at the same level.

keep outkeep back

Keep out means prevent someone or something from entering. Keep back means withhold information or feelings.

Test yourself

The fence keeps the dog out. What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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