- Ward off or avert something. 2. Stay away from, not touch or trespass on; also, prevent from touching or trespassing.
Examples:
- They put up a sign asking the public to keep off their property.
Origin: Mid-1500s for sense 1; late 1500s for sense 2
Examples:
Origin: Mid-1500s for sense 1; late 1500s for sense 2