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to hold back
[phrase form: hold]
01
to prevent someone or something from advancing or crossing a particular point
Transitive: to hold back sb/sth
Examples
The soldiers held back the advancing enemy forces with determination.
The security guards tried to hold the excited fans back at the concert entrance.
02
to cause someone to hesitate before taking action or speaking
Transitive: to hold back sb from sth
Examples
His shyness held him back from approaching the group at the party.
The thought of rejection held many students back from asking questions in class.
03
to suppress one's true feelings or emotions, often to avoid displaying them openly
Transitive: to hold back an emotion or emotional reaction
Examples
She tried to hold back her tears during the emotional farewell.
She successfully held her anger back during the challenging negotiation.
04
to not disclose information or facts that a person wants or needs to know
Transitive: to hold back information
Examples
She felt that her friend was holding back information about the upcoming surprise.
Holding vital information back can lead to misunderstandings and mistrust.
05
to refrain from taking immediate action or speaking out, typically due to uncertainty, reluctance
Intransitive: to hold back | to hold back from sth
Examples
They held back from making a decision until they had more information.
She held back, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected question.
06
to hinder the effectiveness or progress of something or someone
Transitive: to hold back a process
Examples
Technical issues can hold back the efficiency of our computer system.
A lack of cooperation among team members can hold back project success.
07
to refrain from using or giving one's full potential or power
Intransitive
Transitive: to hold back one's potential
Examples
She often held back her talents to let others shine in the spotlight.
The coach encouraged the team not to hold back and give their best effort.
08
to delay the progress of someone, typically a student, by retaining them in their current educational grade or level
Transitive: to hold back a student
Examples
The decision to hold back a student should be based on their academic readiness.
The school 's policy is to hold back students who have n't mastered essential skills.
