usage: "He is keeping three women in the guest cottage"; "keep boarders"
Allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature.
usage: "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"; "She retained her composure"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings"
usage: "I always keep batteries in the freezer"; "keep food for a week in the pantry"; "She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator"
Maintain for use and service.
usage: "I keep a car in the countryside"; "She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips"