keep back
phrasal verb
kept back; keeping back; keeps back
: to not go near something
The police asked the spectators to keep back.
The guide told us to keep back from the edge of the cliff.
Examples of keep back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Police had to step in, with some officers on horseback, to keep back the crowd of several dozens who hurled mud and wielded shovels and poles threateningly.
—
Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
As for parking, that almost requires Beyoncé levels of security to keep back the curious, and expect any coffee stop to involve at least 15 minutes of answering questions.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, a bodysuit is likely a better bet for those seeking tummy control and keeping back fat in check.
—Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 30 July 2024
With a 3-1 lead going into the back half of the game, the American women are showing force by trying to keep back the German team.
—NBC News, 29 July 2024
Authorities said Blaylock’s family members had to be kept back from officers as firefighters worked to retrieve his body.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
Place a few drops under your tongue or add oil to your favorite beverage to keep back pain at bay.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Both paid tribute to each astronaut individually, and the Corps chief clearly had to fight to keep back tears.
—Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2023
His designs feature interior pockets, hidden pockets underneath side cargo pouches, and a Velcro enclosure alongside the entire rear which keeps back pockets safe.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023
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.
Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
As for parking, that almost requires Beyoncé levels of security to keep back the curious, and expect any coffee stop to involve at least 15 minutes of answering questions.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, a bodysuit is likely a better bet for those seeking tummy control and keeping back fat in check.
—Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 30 July 2024
With a 3-1 lead going into the back half of the game, the American women are showing force by trying to keep back the German team.
—NBC News, 29 July 2024
Authorities said Blaylock’s family members had to be kept back from officers as firefighters worked to retrieve his body.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
Place a few drops under your tongue or add oil to your favorite beverage to keep back pain at bay.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Both paid tribute to each astronaut individually, and the Corps chief clearly had to fight to keep back tears.
—Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2023
His designs feature interior pockets, hidden pockets underneath side cargo pouches, and a Velcro enclosure alongside the entire rear which keeps back pockets safe.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near keep back
Cite this Entry
“Keep back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20back. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share