1To stop or cease something; to put an end to or hold back (e.g., stop bleeding or halt a process).
傷口の出血を止めるために包帯で留めた。
I bandaged the wound to stop the bleeding.
騒音を留める措置が取られた。
Measures were taken to stop the noise.
事件が大きくなるのを留めるため、早めに対応した。
We acted quickly to prevent the situation from escalating.
2To fasten or secure something in place so it doesn't move; to clip or fix with a fastener. Can also mean to confine or limit.
ポスターを画鋲で壁に留めておいた。
I pinned the poster to the wall.
髪をヘアピンで留めておいた方が楽だ。
It's easier to keep your hair pinned up with hairpins.
予算を月ごとに留めて無駄遣いを防いだ。
We limited the budget by month to prevent wasteful spending.
3To record, retain, or keep something in memory; to note or preserve a fact or event.
その言葉をメモに留めておいた。
I made a note of those words.
あの日の出来事は心に留めておくべきだ。
We should keep what happened that day in mind.
重要な点は議事録に留めておきます。
I will record the important points in the minutes.