keeping

[ kee-ping ]

noun

1. agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together:

   His actions are not in keeping with his words.

   Synonyms: harmony, congruity, consistency

2. the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.

   Synonyms: guardianship, charge, protection

3. maintenance or keep.
4. holding, reserving, or retaining.

keeping

/ ˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

1. conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )
2. charge or care

   valuables in the keeping of a bank

Word History and Origins

Origin of keeping¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, keeping is from the Middle English word keping. See keep, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See custody.

Example Sentences

Former Red Sox star Curt Schilling says his politics are keeping him out of Cooperstown.

From The Daily Beast

With Vice, that was an example of you keeping yourself interested too, right?

From The Daily Beast

These were brilliant writers who were really great at keeping it to jokes.

From The Daily Beast

The family was taking some private moments for a closing of the coffin in keeping with Chinese ritual.

From The Daily Beast

Other footage shows him fleeing, keeping to a quick walk, jogging briefly, then walking again as he heads for a subway station.

From The Daily Beast

Most of my observations are in keeping with Skutch's detailed report of the species in Central America.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the will directing the activity of the intellect into some particular channel and keeping it there.

From Project Gutenberg

She played very well, keeping excellent waltz time and infusing an expression into the strains which was indeed inspiring.

From Project Gutenberg

Attention is the Will directing the Intellect into some particular channel and keeping it there.

From Project Gutenberg

Attention is directing the intellect into some particular channel and keeping‌ it there.

From Project Gutenberg