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Synonyms

keep from

British  

verb

  1. (foll by a gerund) to prevent or restrain (oneself or another); refrain or cause to refrain

  2. (tr) to protect or preserve from

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

keep from Idioms  
  1. Withhold; also, prevent. For example, What information are you keeping from me? or Please keep your dog from running through our garden . [c. 1340]

  2. Restrain oneself, hold oneself back, as in I can hardly keep from laughing . [c. 1340]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Surrounded by grieving women at Al-Mawasi camp in southern Gaza, where Palestinians displaced by fighting and bombardment live in precarious conditions, Nur al-Huda pressed her lips together to keep from crying.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Much of the time I was depressed just trying to keep from drowning in the maelstrom of events and emotions swirling around him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

They’ll discuss the lessons we should keep from the systemic failure that resulted in the Great Depression and why the knowledge feels as relevant as ever today.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2025

Bigger companies were able to front load their inventories in anticipation, and small businesses have been taking out loans and freezing hiring to keep from raising prices.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2025

On cold winter nights and days grouse make small caves in the snow to keep from freezing and if they are caught in the caves they can be taken.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

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