Definition of keep from

The origin of the phrase "keep from" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "cēopan." It was a compound word made up of two parts: "cēopan" meaning "to hold" or "to grasp" and the Old English suffix "-an" meaning "from." The original meaning of "cēopan" was also to "defend" or "protect," and this usage can be seen in Middle English, where the phrase became " Keepen fro(m)" or "Keep away from." By the 14th century, "keep from" was being used in this sense, with "keep" meaning "to maintain" or "to hold in confinement" and "from" indicating that something was being kept separate or away from something else. Over time, the meaning of "keep from" has evolved to also include the sense of preventing something from happening or avoiding a particular outcome. In modern English, "keep from" is used in a variety of contexts, from cooking ("Keep the chicken from sticking to the pan") to studying ("Keep distractions from interfering with your homework") to personal relationships ("Keep secrets from getting out"). In summary, the phrase "keep from" has its roots in Old English, where it was used to describe the act of holding something close or protecting it from harm. Its evolution through Middle English and into modern English has led to its widespread use in English today, as a way to describe a variety of actions intended to prevent negative outcomes or preserve positive ones.