keep out
B1Informal, but common in formal prohibitions (e.g., signs).
Definition
Meaning
To prevent entry; to maintain a state of exclusion.
To remain outside of a physical or metaphorical boundary; to abstain from entering or participating.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly a phrasal verb in imperative mood for warnings. Can be used reflexively ('keep yourself out of trouble'). Implies an ongoing state of exclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Keep out' is the standard form in both. The sign 'Keep Out' is universal. Slight preference in UK for 'No Entry' in more formal prohibition contexts.
Connotations
Both carry the same direct, often blunt, prohibitive force.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Keep [sb/sth] out (of [sth])Keep out (of [sth])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep your nose out (of something)”
- “Keep out of harm's way”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new firewall is designed to keep out malicious software."
Academic
"The study aims to identify factors that keep out non-traditional students."
Everyday
"Can you keep the dog out of the kitchen while I'm cooking?"
Technical
"The insulation helps keep out thermal transfer."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sign clearly said 'Keep Out'.
- We must keep the damp out of the basement.
- You should keep out of their family arguments.
American English
- They put up a fence to keep out the deer.
- Keep your hands out of the cookie jar!
- I try to keep out of office politics.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He bought a keep-out kit for his shed's lock. (Note: 'keep-out' as a compound adjective is very rare and technical, e.g., in computing).
American English
- The software has a strong keep-out algorithm. (Rare compound adjective).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The door is closed. Please keep out.
- This cream keeps out the sun.
- Keep the cat out!
- Private land - keep out!
- Wear a hat to keep the cold out.
- Try to keep out of trouble at school.
- The treaty was designed to keep out foreign military vessels.
- She uses a special moisturiser to keep out pollutants.
- He's good at keeping out of public disputes.
- The country's immigration policies aim to keep out economic migrants.
- The philosophical debate centers on what criteria we use to keep out certain ideas.
- Her diplomatic skills allowed her to keep out of the escalating conflict entirely.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a KEEPer (goalkeeper) standing at a door, his arms OUTstretched to KEEP you OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIVACY/SAFETY IS A CONTAINER WITH A BARRIER; TROUBLE IS A SUBSTANCE TO BE EXCLUDED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating word-for-word as 'держать вне'. Use 'не входить', 'не впускать', or 'не лезть'. 'Keep out of it' translates as 'не лезь в это', not a literal 'держать из него'.
Common Mistakes
- *I kept out him from the room. (Correct: I kept him out of the room.)
- *This coat keeps out me from the cold. (Correct: This coat keeps me out of the cold / keeps the cold out.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'keep out' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'Keep the dog out' or 'Keep out the dog', though the former is more common. With pronouns, it must be separated: 'Keep him out' (not 'Keep out him').
Yes, frequently, especially in commands. 'Keep out!' means 'Do not enter.' It can also mean to remain outside voluntarily: 'It's noisy in there; I think I'll keep out.'
They are often interchangeable in commands. 'Keep out' often implies an active effort to prevent entry or to maintain exclusion. 'Stay out' is more about the state of remaining outside after an initial warning or event.
It is direct and blunt, which can be perceived as rude. More polite alternatives include 'Private', 'No Entry', or 'Authorised Personnel Only'. 'Keep Out' is used when a clear, strong warning is intended.