This is the 837th most frequent French word.
garder
To keep, to guard, to take care of.
Here, 'garder' means 'to keep' or 'to hold onto' something with care, reflecting its protective or custodial nature.
Je garde précieusement ce cadeau.
I am carefully keeping this gift.
In this sentence, 'garder' conveys the idea of maintaining or adhering to a state or behavior, specifically silence.
Il faut garder le silence dans la bibliothèque.
One must keep silent in the library.
Here, 'garder' suggests maintaining or preserving a condition or quality, such as good posture.