Definition of the word keep away

The expression "keep away" is a command to prevent someone or something from approaching a specific object, area, or person. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the medieval game of football, also known as "mob football" or "shrovetide football." In this game, which was played in England during the Middle Ages, two opposing teams would try to carry a large ball, made of animal bladders or inflated pig's bladders, to their respective goals. There were no rules, and the game often descended into chaos, with participants causing damage to property and injuring themselves and others. To prevent the opposing team from carrying the ball, players would shout "keep away" and try to intercept the ball or tackle their opponents. The phrase gained popularity during this time and eventually spread to other contexts, such as sports, games, and daily life. Today, "keep away" is commonly used to indicate that an object, place, or person should not be touched, approached, or disturbed. It is often uttered in situations such as during a competition, game, or when someone is resting, recovering or needs privacy.