keeps back
Refuses to release
Keeps back means to withhold or restrain.
Someone who keeps back information doesn't share it: She kept back the worst news until they were alone.
To keep back tears or emotions is to suppress them.
Keeps back can also mean to physically restrain: The police kept back the crowd.
The phrase suggests deliberate holding in reserve rather than simple absence.
- withholdsRefuses to release
- hold ontoKeep in one's grasp
- staves offRepels or delays
- repressHold back forcibly
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
bite one's tongue · bottle up · censor · conceal · conserve · stifle · put a lid on · hide · stash · temper · curb · rein in · moderate · inhibit · safeguard · hoard · redact · save
keeps backgives up
Ceases effort or resistance
surrenders · releases · lets go · hands over · gives away
keeps backpushes forward
Advances against resistance
advances · moves forward · brings forward · releases · propels
keep, keeps, kept, keeping, keeper, keepers, upkeep, safekeeping, gatekeeper