The phrasal verb "keep away" is primarily used in informal contexts, often appearing in everyday conversations rather than formal writing or discourse. It typically means to stay at a distance or avoid something or someone. Usage patterns include instructive or advisory contexts, such as telling someone to "keep away" from danger or things that might cause harm. It can also refer to emotional or psychological distance, like keeping away from stressful situations. In written language, it often appears in cautionary signs or instructions, like "Keep Away from Fire." This phrasal verb does not undergo much transformation and can be expected to appear in the base form in various sentences, highlighting its straightforward character in communication.
A2
Beginner
1. To maintain a distance from something or someone, often for safety or avoidance reasons.
You should keep away from the abandoned house, it's not safe.
Keep away from the wet paint, it hasn't dried yet.
To avoid getting sick, keep away from people who have a cold.
The parents told their children to keep away from the deep end of the pool.