WordWeb Online

1. Remain under control
   "keep back your temper";
   - restrain, keep, hold back
    
2. Secure and keep for possible future use or application
   "The landlord kept back the security deposit";
   - retain, hold, hold back
    
3. Hold back; refuse to hand over or share
   "The father is keeping back the allowance until the son cleans his room";
   - withhold

Derived forms: kept back, keeps back, keeping back

See also: keep

Type of: bottle up, deny, hold on, inhibit, keep, refuse, suppress