adj

keyed

keed

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Keyed (adj) means Fitted with a mechanism, such as a groove or ridge, that locks parts together or restricts movement. Example: “The shaft is keyed so the gear can't spin loose.”

adj

Fitted with a mechanism, such as a groove or ridge, that locks parts together or restricts movement.

"The shaft is keyed so the gear can't spin loose."

Informal: tense, excited, or wound up, often before something stressful or exciting.

"She was totally keyed up before her big presentation."

How to use keyed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither mechanically locked into place, or (informally, usually as "keyed up") nervous and on edge with anticipation.

Common mistake

"Keyed up" describes nervous excitement, not anger — for that, people usually say "worked up" or "wound up".

Common pairings

keyed up keyed shaft

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more keyed
Superlative: most keyed

Test yourself on “keyed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The shaft is _____ so the gear can't spin loose.

Etymology

* (praiseworthy and admirable): Coined by Soyjak.party users upset at the widened usage of based (“praiseworthy and admirable, particularly in a perceived countercultural sense”) outside of their community. Most likely simply from the verb key; in slang perhaps connected to the "securing" action of a lock and key (compare e.g. scored).

Antonyms

keyless

Rhymes for keyed

eyed dyed Fayed swayed flayed frayed annoyed delayed decayed strayed sprayed employed

See all rhymes for keyed →

Frequently asked questions

What does “keyed” mean?

The word “keyed” means fitted with a mechanism, such as a groove or ridge, that locks parts together or restricts movement. In plain terms, either mechanically locked into place, or (informally, usually as "keyed up") nervous and on edge with anticipation.

How do you pronounce “keyed”?

“Keyed” is pronounced keed (/kiːd/ in IPA).

How do you use “keyed” in a sentence?

Here is “keyed” used in a sentence: “The shaft is keyed so the gear can't spin loose.”

What part of speech is “keyed”?

“Keyed” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “keyed” have?

“Keyed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fitted with a mechanism, such as a groove or ridge, that locks parts together or restricts movement.