keep under
To hold something under the surface, or to stop a group of people from having any power.
Meanings
To hold something or someone physically below a surface, such as water.
"He kept the stopper under the water until all the air had escaped from the bottle."
(Medical) To keep a patient in a state of general anaesthesia during a surgical procedure.
"The anaesthetist kept the patient under for the duration of the four-hour operation."
To control or oppress a person or group, preventing them from gaining power or freedom.
"For generations, colonial rule kept the local population under through economic and social restrictions."
In a medical context, 'keep someone under' means to maintain a patient under general anaesthesia. Physically, it means to hold something beneath a surface. Figuratively and politically, it means to oppress or suppress a group. Less common than 'keep down' in most contexts.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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