Definition of the word keep back

The phrase "keep back" is an idiomatic expression originating in Middle English around the 14th century. It is formed by combining the preposition "back" and the verb "keep," which means "to hold, preserve, or guard." In Old English, the preposition "beca" meant "behind," while the verb "hæfð" meant "to have, hold, or keep." The Old English phrase "hæfð beran" literally meant "had behind" or "kept behind." During the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, French became the language of the ruling class, and Middle English emerged as a mix of Old English and Old Norse. In Middle English, the preposition "back" replaced the archaic "behind," while the verb "keep" replaced the Old English "hæfð." Thus, the Middle English phrase "keepe baren" meant "to hold or preserve behind" or "to keep back," which continues to be used in modern English with the same meaning. Its use in various forms, such as "keep back the tide" or "keep back a smile," emphasizes the sense of holding something in reserve, preventing its progress, or withholding it from view. In summary, "keep back" is a word formed through the merging of two Middle English words that evolved from their Old English and Old Norse origins. It is an example of how language is constantly evolving, incorporating new words and changing meanings over time.