Keep off
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To avoid or stay away from something (a physical surface, substance, or activity)
Example sentence
The sign said "Keep Off the Grass."
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: keep off + surface/object (noun)
keep off the grass
keep off the ice
keep your hands off
keep off the furniture
keep off social media
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
He keeps his hands off the wet paint. ✅ (Correct — often separated with an object)
He keeps off his hands from the wet paint. ❌ (Incorrect)