carry on meaning and definition

CARRY ON verb

Definition of carry on (verb)

1. direct the course of; manage or control
   • "You cannot conduct business like this"
   • synonyms: conduct, deal
2. keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
   • "preserve the peace in the family"; "continue the family tradition"; "Carry on the old traditions"
   • synonyms: bear on, continue, preserve, uphold
   • antonym: cease
3. continue talking
   • "I know it's hard," he continued, "but there is no choice"; "carry on--pretend we are not in the room"
   • synonyms: continue, go on, proceed
4. misbehave badly; act in a silly or improper way
   • "The children acted up when they were not bored"
   • synonyms: act up