1 A2 neutral
To not enter a place, especially when told not to.
"The sign on the door said 'Danger — Keep Out' so we didn't go inside."
inseparable
keep out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To not enter a place, or to prevent someone or something from entering.
In plain English
To not go into a place, or to stop someone else from getting in.
What does "keep out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To prevent someone or something from entering.
"Heavy curtains can keep out drafts and reduce your heating bill significantly."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To exclude someone from an activity, discussion, or group.
"I felt they were deliberately keeping me out of the decision-making process."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain outside a space, or to prevent something from entering.
Actually means
To not go into a place, or to stop someone else from getting in.
Usage tip
Frequently seen on warning signs ('Keep Out'). Can be used as a direct command or as a description of preventing entry. Also used metaphorically, e.g. keeping out the cold with thick curtains, or keeping someone out of a conversation.
Words that pair with "keep out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trespassers intruders cold wind noise strangers
How to conjugate "keep out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps out
he/she/it
Past simple
kept out
yesterday
Past participle
kept out
have + pp
-ing form
keeping out
continuous
Hear "keep out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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