keep

v.

1. To hold

   retain, grip, grasp, have; see hold 1.

2. To maintain

   preserve, conserve, care for; see maintain 3, preserve 3.

3. To continue

   keep going, carry on, persist, sustain; see continue 1, endure 1.

4. To operate

   administer, run, direct; see command 2, manage 1.

5. To tend

   care for, minister to, attend; see tend 1.

6. To remain

   stay, continue, last, abide; see continue 1, endure 1, remain 1.

7. To store

   deposit, cache, put; see save 3, store.

8. To prevent; used with from

   stop, block, avert; see hinder, prevent, restrain 1.

9. To observe

   adhere to, fulfill, celebrate; see celebrate 1, follow 2, obey 2. See syn. study at celebrate.

for keeps*