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keep off

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keep off (of something)

to remain off something; to stay off of something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) Please keep off the grass. This is not a public thoroughfare! Keep off! You had better keep off of my property.

See also: keep, off

keep someone or something off (of someone or something)

to make sure that someone or something remains off someone or something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) Keep that woman off of me! She's obsessed with me! Please keep Timmy off the couch. Keep him off!

See also: keep, off

keep off

1. Ward off, avert, as in She used a bug spray to keep off the mosquitoes. [Mid-1500s]

2. Stay away from, not touch or trespass on; also, prevent from touching or trespassing. For example, They put up a sign asking the public to keep off their property, or Please keep your feet off the sofa. [Late 1500s] Also see hands off.

See also: keep, off

keep off

v.

1. To remain away from some surface or place: You should keep off the stairs; they might break.

2. To hold or maintain something away from some surface or place: Keep your dogs off my lawn.

3. To prevent something, especially something that is not wanted, from staying or accumulating on something: Try to keep those thoughts off of your mind. I've been exercising every day, but I can't keep the weight off.

4. To cause something to be nonoperational by having it remain switched off: I always keep the lights off when I look out the window at the stars. Keep off the lights to save electricity.

5. To refrain from indulging in something unhealthy, such as food or drugs: I've kept off cigarettes for three years now. Keep off of junk food and you'll lose some weight.

See also: keep, off