keep from

To stop someone from doing something, or stop yourself from doing it.

• I could not keep from laughing.
• The noise kept me from sleeping.
• What kept you from coming yesterday?

How to use it: keep someone/something from doing something (The rain kept us from leaving.); keep from doing something (I tried to keep from laughing.)

Similar words: prevent, restrain, refrain from

Common phrases: keep someone from something, keep from laughing, keep from crying

To hide information so that someone does not learn about it.

• Do not keep secrets from me.
• She kept her illness from her parents.
• What have you been keeping from us?

How to use it: keep something from someone (They kept the news from her.)

Similar words: hide, conceal, withhold

Opposites: reveal, disclose

Common phrases: keep something from someone, keep secrets from someone

To protect someone or something so that danger or damage does not reach them.

• I want to keep you from harm.
• The fence keeps our children from danger.
• These cases keep delicate instruments from damage during travel.

How to use it: keep someone/something from something (The cover keeps the equipment from harm.)

Similar words: protect, safeguard, shield

Opposites: endanger

Common phrases: keep someone from harm, keep something from damage

To stop something from being included, present, or noticeable in something else.

• She kept the fear from her voice.
• He could not keep the disappointment from his face.
• Try to keep personal criticism from your report.

How to use it: keep something from something (He kept the anger from his voice.)

Similar words: exclude, leave out, remove

Opposites: include

Common phrases: keep sadness from something, keep something from something