keep down

verb

kept down; keeping down; keeps down

transitive verb

1
: to keep in control
keep expenses down
2
: to prevent from growing, advancing, or succeeding

Examples of keep down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seeking a way to maintain the trails, the Copleys decided to rely on foot traffic from hikers to keep down vegetation. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 Also, keeping down long-term rates could boost economic activity and the threat of inflation. — Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 It will be seen, therefore, that with the sincerest desire in the world to keep down the membership of the party, there were already 10 white men in it. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 Tucked or untucked, with the sleeves rolled up or kept down, this shirt can be styled in many ways and worn on repeat throughout the season. — Sydney Pulaski, Glamour, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep down

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of keep down was in 1548

Rhymes for keep down

See All Rhymes for keep down

Browse Nearby Words

keep count
keep down
keeper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keep down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20down. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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