1 A2 neutral
To avoid going near a dangerous or harmful place or object.
"The sign warned visitors to keep away from the cliff edge at all times."
inseparable
keep away from
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To not go near, not associate with, or not get involved with someone or something.
In plain English
To stay far from something or someone, especially because it could be dangerous or cause problems.
What does "keep away from" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To avoid associating with a person or group considered harmful or problematic.
"His parents told him to keep away from the older boys who were causing trouble in the neighbourhood."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To prevent oneself or someone else from getting involved in something harmful.
"She worked hard to keep her children away from screens during dinner."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To maintain physical distance from something or someone.
Actually means
To stay far from something or someone, especially because it could be dangerous or cause problems.
Usage tip
A three-word phrasal verb. Frequently used in warnings, advice, and instructions. Can refer to physical proximity, social association, or involvement in something harmful. Very common in everyday and parenting language.
Words that pair with "keep away from"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trouble drugs danger strangers alcohol bad company
How to conjugate "keep away from"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep away from
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps away from
he/she/it
Past simple
kept away from
yesterday
Past participle
kept away from
have + pp
-ing form
keeping away from
continuous
Hear "keep away from" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep away from" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep away from"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
avoid give a wide berth to keep clear of stay away from steer clear of
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.