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."
inseparable
keep away
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To stay at a distance from something, or to prevent someone or something from coming near.
In plain English
To not go near something, or to stop something from getting close.
What does "keep away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To prevent someone or something from approaching or getting close.
"The security guard was there to keep away unauthorized visitors."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To maintain physical distance from something.
Actually means
To not go near something, or to stop something from getting close.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "keep away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
danger edge strangers pets children fire
How to conjugate "keep away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "keep away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep away"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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