keep
verb (used with object)
to hold or retain in one's possession; hold as one's own.
was keeping
-
past progressiveof keep.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Beverly Scott, who was first diagnosed with ovarian and peritoneal cancer 14 years ago, said treatment was keeping her condition stable but without timely scans it was at risk of spreading unnoticed.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
I was impressed, though, by how stiff the hinge was, keeping the screen upright even with aggressive prodding.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
But, of course, it was possible that someone purchased and was keeping the snake illegally.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Boatsetter made the booking easy, and because the sailboat was captained by its owner, all I really had to worry about was keeping dinner from burning.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
As for said alchemist, if he was having any luck with his alkahest, he was keeping it as much a secret as his key ingredient.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
