keep up Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb maintain a required pace or level
   
   • He could not keep up and dropped out of the race
2. verb lengthen or extend in duration or space
   prolong; sustain.
   
   • We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible
   • prolong the treatment of the patient
   • keep up the good work
3. verb keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
   preserve; maintain; conserve.
   
   • We preserve these archeological findings
   • The old lady could not keep up the building
   • children must be taught to conserve our national heritage
   • The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts
4. verb keep informed
   follow; keep abreast.
   
   • He kept up on his country's foreign policies
5. verb prevent from going to bed at night
   
   • The anticipation of the trip kept the children up all night
   • I kept myself up all night studying for the exam

WordNet