keep back

To stay at a safe distance instead of coming closer.

• Please keep back!
• We kept back from the flames.
• The children must keep back while the machine is running.

How to use it: keep back from something (Keep back from the edge of the platform.)

Similar words: stay back, stand back

Opposites: approach

Common phrases: keep back from something, please keep back

To refuse to give someone something or tell them everything.

• She kept back some details.
• Why did you keep that information back?
• The company kept back part of his wages.

How to use it: keep something back from someone (He kept the news back from his family.)

Similar words: withhold, hold back, conceal

Common phrases: keep back information, keep something back

To stop someone or something from moving forward or getting closer.

• The guards kept us back.
• A fence keeps the animals back from the road.
• Can this rope keep the spectators back?

How to use it: keep someone/something back (The barrier kept the crowd back.)

Similar words: restrain, hold back

Opposites: release

Common phrases: keep someone back, keep back crowds

To make a pupil repeat a school year or course instead of moving to the next one.

• The school kept her back.
• They kept two pupils back for another year.
• Will he be kept back if he fails the exams?

How to use it: keep someone back (The school kept him back because he had missed too many lessons.)

Similar words: hold back, retain

Opposites: promote

Common phrases: keep someone back, keep back a pupil