keep down
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To repress.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The dictatorial state keeps down its dissidents very efficiently.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To restrain or control (a sound).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To cause not to increase or rise.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “keep down” mean?
To repress.
Is “keep down” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.