Keep from doing Meaning in English
expression
ˈkip/ /ˈfɹəm/ /ˈduɪŋ
KEEP-frum-DOO-ing
kˈiːp/ /fɹˈɒm/ /dˈuːɪŋ
keep-FROM-DOO-ing
Definition
To prevent yourself or someone else from doing something, often used when something is difficult to resist or avoid.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Often followed by a gerund ('keep from laughing'). Implies effort to resist a desire or instinct. Common in negative situations (can't keep from...). Not the same as simply 'stop.'
Spanish: evitar hacer - impedir hacerPortuguese (BR): evitar fazer - impedir de fazerPortuguese (PT): evitar fazer - impedir de fazerChinese (Simplified): 避免做 - 阻止做Chinese (Traditional): 避免做 - 阻止做Hindi: करने से रोकना - करने से बचनाArabic: يمنع من القيام - يتجنب القيامBengali: নিজেকে বিরত রাখা - নিজেকে ঠেকানোRussian: удерживаться от (делания)Japanese: 〜するのを我慢する - 〜しないようにするVietnamese: kiềm chế không làm - cố gắng không làmKorean: ~하지 않도록 참다 - ~하지 않게 하다Turkish: kendini tutmak - yapmaktan kaçınmakUrdu: باز رکھنا (کسی کام سے)Indonesian: menahan diri untuk tidak - berusaha untuk tidak
Example Sentences
I can't keep from eating chocolate.
basic
Please keep from touching the artwork.
basic
She tried to keep from crying during the movie.
basic
He laughed so hard he couldn't keep from snorting.
natural
It's hard to keep from checking my phone every five minutes.
natural
She wears sunglasses to keep from squinting in the sun.
natural