Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb keep_back

3 senses of keep back

Sense 1
restrain, keep, keep back, hold back -- (keep under control; keep in check; "suppress a smile"; "Keep your temper"; "keep your cool")
       => inhibit, bottle up, suppress -- (control and refrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior)

Sense 2
retain, hold, keep back, hold back -- (secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree")
       => keep, hold on -- (retain possession of; "Can I keep my old stuffed animals?"; "She kept her maiden name after she married")

Sense 3
withhold, keep back -- (hold back; refuse to hand over or share; "The father is withholding the allowance until the son cleans his room")
       => deny, refuse -- (refuse to let have; "She denies me every pleasure"; "he denies her her weekly allowance")