keep out

What does "keep out" mean?

1. To prevent someone or something from entering
2. To stay away from a place or situation
3. To not become involved in something

Examples

• The fence is meant to keep out intruders.
• Keep out! This area is dangerous.
• I try to keep out of office politics.
• This jacket will keep out the cold and rain.
• Keep out of my room!

How to use it

'Keep Out' signs are very common on private property or dangerous areas. 'Keep out of it' means don't get involved in a dispute or situation.

Word order

For preventing entry: separable ('keep intruders out'). For avoiding: 'keep out of' + noun.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• keep up

  To continue doing something at the same rate or level

• keep on

  To continue doing something

• keep away

  To not go near someone or something

• keep off

  To not walk on or touch something

• keep up with

  To stay at the same level or pace as someone or something

• keep back

  To stay at a distance; to not come closer