Keeper
'kiːpər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or thing responsible for the care, maintenance, or protection of something or someone.
'kiːpər
A person or thing that guards or maintains something.
The lighthouse keeper ensured the safety of ships at sea.
💡 Simply: Imagine a person who watches over something or someone. Like a lifeguard is a keeper of swimmers, or a gardener is a keeper of the plants. They make sure things are okay and safe.
👶 For kids: A keeper is someone who takes care of something, like a zookeeper takes care of animals!
More Examples
The museum hired a new art keeper to protect the valuable paintings.
The team's goalie is considered the last keeper of their victory.
How It's Used
"The goalkeeper is the last keeper of the goal."
"The zoo keeper feeds and cares for the animals."
"She is a keeper of secrets."
A person or thing whose role is to prevent someone or something from escaping or being removed.
'kiːpər
A person or thing that prevents something from escaping.
The fence acted as a keeper, preventing the animals from wandering off.
💡 Simply: Someone or something that stops things from leaving or getting out, like a goalie blocks the ball from going into the net.
👶 For kids: A keeper is someone who makes sure something stays where it's supposed to be, like a gatekeeper.
More Examples
The prison keeper enforced strict rules to keep the inmates from escaping.
The keeper of the gate controlled who could enter and exit the city.
How It's Used
"The jail keeper watches the inmates."
"The hockey team's keeper kept the puck out of the goal."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a keeper
Someone or something especially good or desirable.
"That new employee is a keeper; they're always on time and get the job done."
From Middle English *keper, from Old English *cēpere* (attested as *cīpere* in some dialects), agent noun from *cēpan* 'to keep'.
Historically used in various contexts, often to denote someone entrusted with the care or protection of something.
Memory tip
Think of a keeper as someone or something who ensures that a valuable thing or person is safe or in good condition.