1.keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean";

hold in place

2.continue a certain state, condition, or activity;

Keep on working!

3.retain possession of;

Can I keep my old stuffed animals?

4.prevent from doing something or being in a certain state;

We must prevent the cancer from spreading

5.conform one's action or practice to;

keep appointments

6.observe correctly or closely;

The pianist kept time with the metronome

7.look after; be the keeper of; have charge of;

He keeps the shop when I am gone

8.maintain by writing regular records;

keep a diary

9.supply with room and board;

He is keeping three women in the guest cottage

10. allow to remain in a place or position;

We cannot continue several servants any longer

11. supply with necessities and support;

She alone sustained her family

12. fail to spoil or rot;

These potatoes keep for a long time

13. celebrate, as of holidays or rites;

Keep the commandments

14. keep under control; keep in check;

suppress a smile

15. maintain in safety from injury, harm, or danger;

May God keep you

16. raise;

She keeps a few chickens in the yard

17. retain rights to;

keep my job for me while I give birth

18. store or keep customarily;

Where do you keep your gardening tools?

19. have as a supply;

I always keep batteries in the freezer

20. maintain for use and service;

I keep a car in the countryside

21. hold and prevent from leaving;

The student was kept after school

22. prevent (food) from rotting;

preserved meats