Definition of the word keep out

The phrase "keep out" is a command meant to prevent somebody from entering or accessing a particular place or object. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century, when the term "kepeyn" was used. "Kepeyn" was derived from the Old English word "cybban," which meant "to guard" or "to preserve." The term evolved over time, and by the time the Middle English period came around, "kepeyn" was commonly used as a verb, meaning "to protect" or "to defend." As the English language continued to develop, "kepeyn" evolved into the modern-day "keep" in the 16th century, and the phrase "keep out" was formed by adding the preposition "out" to it. The term "out" in this context means "outside" or "from without," indicating that the person being addressed should stay away from the area or object being guarded. Overall, the origin of the term "keep out" demonstrates the evolution of the English language over time and emphasizes the continued importance placed on the concept of protecting and preserving oneself, one's possessions, and one's territory.