v.

1. keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean";
   keep, hold
   
   • hold in place
   • She always held herself as a lady
   • The students keep me on my toes
2. keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction;
   conserve, preserve, keep up
   
   • We preserve these archeological findings
   • The old lady could not keep up the building
   • children must be taught to conserve our national heritage
   • The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts
3. supply with necessities and support;
   sustain, keep
   
   • She alone sustained her family
   • The money will sustain our good cause
   • There's little to earn and many to keep
4. state categorically;
   assert, asseverate
5. have and exercise;
   wield, exert
   
   • wield power and authority
6. maintain for use and service;
   keep
   
   • I keep a car in the countryside
   • She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips
7. maintain by writing regular records;
   keep
   
   • keep a diary
   • maintain a record
   • keep notes
8. state or assert;
   defend
   
   • He maintained his innocence
9. support against an opponent;
   uphold
   
   • The appellate court upheld the verdict
10. observe correctly or closely;
    observe, keep
    
    • The pianist kept time with the metronome
    • keep count
    • I cannot keep track of all my employees