keep away
A2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To not go near something, or to stop something from getting close.
Literal meaning: To maintain physical distance from something.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To remain at a distance from a person, place, or thing.
"Keep away from the bonfire — the sparks can fly quite far."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
To prevent someone or something from approaching or getting close.
"The security guard was there to keep away unauthorized visitors."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Can be used as a command ('Keep away!'), intransitively ('Keep away from the edge'), or transitively ('Keep the dog away from the food'). Very common on warning signs and in parenting contexts.
Commonly used with
danger edge strangers pets children fire
Forms
Base
keep away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps away
he/she/it
Past simple
kept away
yesterday
Past participle
kept away
have + pp
-ing form
keeping away
continuous
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Synonyms
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