keep under
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To hold in subjection; hence, to oppress.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
In many places the local contingents of the army of “three million beggars” were regarded simply as animals to be kept under and exploited […]
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).
Common questions
What does “keep under” mean?
To hold in subjection; hence, to oppress.
Is “keep under” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.