to hold
h
h
o
l
l
d
d
British pronunciation
/həʊld/

Definition & Meaning of "hold"

to hold
01

to have in your hands or arms

Transitive: to hold sth
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
They held candles during the power outage.
She held her friend's hand for support during the scary movie.
1.1

to aim, point, or direct something, especially a gun, weapon, etc.

Transitive: to hold a weapon or tool on sb/sth
example
Example
click on words
The soldier held a rifle on the enemy.
The bank robber held a pistol on the cashier.
1.2

to cover a part of one's body with one's hands, especially because of pain

Transitive: to hold a part of one's body
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
She held her chest and winced in pain.
He held his throbbing temples as the migraine struck again.
1.3

to put one's arms around the body of another person

Transitive: to hold sb
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
After a long absence, they held each other in a warm embrace.
He held her gently, providing comfort in her time of need.
02

to have something as one's own

Transitive: to hold a right or asset
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
The company holds patents for its innovative technology.
They hold joint ownership of the vacation home.
2.1

to have a specific opinion or belief about someone or something

Transitive: to hold an opinion or belief
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
My grandfather held traditional values when it came to family.
I hold strong political convictions about environmental conservation.
2.2

(especially of a court of law or judge) to decide and declare something

Transitive: to hold that
example
Example
click on words
The Supreme Court held that the law was unconstitutional.
The judge held that the evidence presented was insufficient to convict the defendant.
2.3

to have or occupy a certain position or job

Transitive: to hold a position or job
example
Example
click on words
Mary held a senior management position at the company.
The organization has held the role of project manager since the project's inception.
2.4

to have illegal drugs

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
When the authorities found out he was holding, they arrested him on the spot.
While she was holding, law enforcement officers arrested her immediately.
03

to organize a specific event, such as a meeting, party, election, etc.

Transitive: to hold an event
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
She holds a weekly meeting with her team.
The company will hold a seminar on business ethics.
04

to keep someone or something in a particular position or state

Complex Transitive: to hold sth [adj]
Transitive: to hold sth somewhere
example
Example
click on words
Please hold the door shut until I fix the latch.
They held the gate open for the guests.
4.1

to retain the attention or interest of someone

Transitive: to hold someone's attention or interest
example
Example
click on words
The movie had enough action and suspense to hold my attention throughout.
The topic of accounting principles held little interest for him.
4.2

to protect a certain place against an attack

Transitive: to hold a place
example
Example
click on words
The soldiers will hold the fort against any enemy incursions.
They managed to hold the stronghold despite several attempts to breach it.
4.3

to keep someone somewhere and not let them leave, especially as a prisoner

Transitive: to hold sb
to hold definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
The rebels held the diplomats as prisoners.
The police held the suspect in custody for questioning.
4.4

to keep someone or something from leaving or from what they want to do

Transitive: to hold sb/sth
example
Example
click on words
Hold your breath while I take this photo.
Please hold the elevator for me; I'm coming!
4.5

to maintain control over a particular place, often by force

Transitive: to hold a place
example
Example
click on words
The enemy forces held the border for several months.
The occupation forces held the city center for a significant period.
4.6

to lessen or control the force or expression of something

example
Example
click on words
She tried to hold her anger during the meeting.
He had to hold his laughter in court.
4.7

to cause something to stay the same as before

Complex Transitive: to hold sth [adj]
Transitive: to hold sth at a specific rate
example
Example
click on words
We aim to hold prices steady throughout the year.
The company plans to hold production at its current rate.
4.8

to stay the same as before

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
I wonder if this peace and quiet will hold for the entire weekend.
If her health holds, she might be able to join us on the trip.
4.9

(of a vehicle) to keep close contact with the road and to be controllable in an easy and safe manner, particularly when driven at speed

Transitive: to hold a road
example
Example
click on words
This sports car holds the road like a dream.
The tires are designed to help the SUV hold the bumps well during off-road adventures.
4.10

(of an aircraft or a ship) to continue to follow the same course as before

Transitive: to hold a course of movement
example
Example
click on words
The pilot instructed the co-pilot to hold the current heading.
Despite the strong winds, the aircraft managed to hold its course.
4.11

to stay at a particular rate, level, etc.

example
Example
click on words
Despite the market fluctuations, gold prices held steady this week.
The temperature held at a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius all day.
05

to bear the weight of something or someone

Transitive: to hold a weight
example
Example
click on words
I do n't trust this old chair to hold my weight.
The bridge can hold the weight of multiple cars at once.
5.1

to stay strong, secure, or in a particular position without collapsing or breaking

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
I hope the rope holds while we're climbing.
The old bridge does n't look very sturdy, but it has held for years.
06

to be or continue to be available or valid

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
Is the discount still holding for this weekend?
If your invitation to the party still holds, I'd love to come.
07

to reserve or keep something for someone's later use

Transitive: to hold sth
example
Example
click on words
I 'll hold this seat for you until the movie starts.
The hotel will hold your room reservation until 6 PM.
7.1

to wait on the phone line until the other person answers it

Transitive: to hold the telephone line
Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
Could you please hold for a moment while I transfer your call?
I'll hold the line until he's ready to speak with me.
08

to contain or have the capacity to contain a certain amount

Transitive: to hold an amount or number of something
example
Example
click on words
This jar holds about 1 kilogram of cookies.
The suitcase can hold all your clothes for the trip.
8.1

to be able to consume alcoholic drinks in a reasonable amount and without showing signs of drunkenness

Transitive: to hold alcoholic drinks
example
Example
click on words
He can hold his drink better than most of his friends.
She surprised everyone by holding her liquor during the party.
8.2

to have information, meaning, or condition

Transitive: to hold information or a consequence
example
Example
click on words
The book holds the answers to your questions.
It was because of the importance the game held for the team.
09

to agree or be in accord with someone or something

Transitive: to hold with a person or an idea
example
Example
click on words
I hold with the idea that teamwork leads to success.
He holds with the principles of honesty and integrity.
10

to instruct someone to not include or add something, particularly food or drink

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
Transitive: to hold an ingredient
InformalInformal
example
Example
click on words
I 'd like a burger, but hold the pickles, please.
I 'll take a pizza, but hold the olives, please.
11

to request the omission or exclusion of an ingredient or item from a dish

InformalInformal
example
Example
click on words
I'd like a burger, but hold the onions.
Can you hold the pickles on my sandwich?
Hold
01

the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

hold definition and meaning
02

the act of grasping

03

a cell in a jail or prison

04

the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo

05

a stronghold

06

power by which something or someone is affected or dominated

07

understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something

08

a state of being confined (usually for a short time)

09

time during which some action is awaited

10

a physical technique used to control, restrain, or immobilize an opponent by gripping or locking parts of their body

example
Example
click on words
The judo practitioner maintained a powerful hold on his opponent's torso, preventing any chance of escape or counterattack.
During the match, she quickly transitioned into a rear hold, wrapping her arms around her opponent's neck to set up a choke.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store