keep back
To stop someone from coming closer, or to not share something like information or feelings.
Meanings
To prevent a person or crowd from moving forward.
"Police officers formed a line to keep back the crowd as the president's motorcade passed."
To withhold information, facts, or feelings from someone.
"I could tell she was keeping something back — she wouldn't look me in the eye."
To reserve a portion of money or resources.
"The landlord kept back part of the deposit to cover the cost of repairs."
To struggle to suppress or hold back an emotion.
"She kept back her tears until she was safely out of the room."
Has both a physical sense (preventing movement) and an abstract sense (withholding information or feelings). In financial contexts, it means to reserve a portion. In crowd control, security or police 'keep back' people. Also used for suppressing emotions.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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