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
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
Move fists one inch forward while keeping back straight and not leaning torso forward or folding and waist.
—Women's Health, 18 Aug. 2023
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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about these examples.
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
Move fists one inch forward while keeping back straight and not leaning torso forward or folding and waist.
—Women's Health, 18 Aug. 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 14 Nov. 2024.
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