KEEP DOWN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does keep down mean? 

• KEEP DOWN (verb)
  The verb KEEP DOWN has 3 senses:

1. place a limit on the number of

2. put down by force or intimidation

3. manage not to throw up

  Familiarity information: KEEP DOWN used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• KEEP DOWN (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Place a limit on the number of

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

keep down; number

Hypernyms (to "keep down" is one way to...):

circumscribe; confine to; limit (restrict or confine within limits)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Put down by force or intimidation

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

keep down; quash; reduce; repress; subdue; subjugate

Context example:

The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land

Hypernyms (to "keep down" is one way to...):

crush; oppress; suppress (come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody

Sense 3

Meaning:

Manage not to throw up

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Antonym:

vomit (eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth)