KEPT BACK Meaning and
Definition
-
The phrase "kept back" refers to the action of retaining, withholding, or restraining something or someone. It often implies the act of holding back or not revealing something fully or completely.
In its literal sense, "kept back" may refer to physically detaining or restraining a person or an object. For instance, if a child is "kept back" in school, it means they are required to repeat a grade or held back from progressing to the next level due to poor academic performance. Additionally, if someone is "kept back" from leaving a place, it signifies that they have been prevented from departing or held against their will.
Metaphorically, "kept back" commonly entails holding back information, knowledge, or emotions. For instance, when someone deliberately withholds certain details or obscured truths regarding a topic, they can be said to have "kept back" vital information. In the domain of emotions, "kept back" often alludes to the act of concealing or suppressing feelings and not expressing them openly.
In summary, the phrase "kept back" encompasses the notions of retention, withholding, or restraining. Whether in a physical or figurative sense, it implies the deliberate act of not fully disclosing, revealing, or expressing something or someone.
Common Misspellings for KEPT BACK
- jept back
- mept back
- lept back
- oept back
- iept back
- kwpt back
- kspt back
- kdpt back
- krpt back
- k4pt back
- k3pt back
- keot back
- kelt back
- ke-t back
- ke0t back
- kepr back
- kepf back
- kepg back
- kepy back
- kep6 back
Etymology of KEPT BACK
The phrase "kept back" is a combination of the verb "kept" and the adverb "back".
The verb "keep" originated from the Old English word "cēpan", which meant "to hold, possess, or preserve". Over time, "cēpan" evolved into "kepen" in Middle English and eventually turned into "keep" in Modern English. The word "keep" retained its general meaning of holding or retaining something.
The adverb "back" emerged from the Middle English term "bak", which originated from Old English "bæc". "Back" has a variety of meanings, but in this context, it refers to the direction opposite to the front.
When combined, "kept back" signifies the act of holding or retaining something in the opposite direction or preventing it from moving forward or being disclosed.
