keep out

phrasal verb

kept out; keeping out; keeps out
1
: to not enter a place
The sign on the door said "Keep out!"
2
: to stop or prevent (someone or something) from entering a place
The curtains help keep out the drafts.

Examples of keep out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is akin to slicing up an umbrella with kitchen scissors and claiming that the cuts will help the umbrella refocus on its mission of keeping out the rain. Rachel Pearson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025 The anti-immigration National Rally party has grown in popularity in recent years, only to be narrowly kept out of government by a coalition of mainstream political forces after a snap election called last year by President Emmanuel Macron. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 9 July 2025 Prior to the outing, the pair mostly kept out of the limelight during high-profile events. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 8 July 2025 Not just adding interest to walls, tapestry also had the important task of keeping out drafts and dampening sounds. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep out

Cite this Entry

“Keep out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20out. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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