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
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.
The cordoning blocked the entrance from 79th Drive, keeping back people Connie and Keith Rohrman hoped would spend cash on their two-day yard sale at their West Mitchell Drive home. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 29 Nov. 2024 Police had to step in, some officers on horseback, to keep back the crowd of several dozen, some wielding shovels and poles. Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024 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

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 15 Dec. 2024.

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