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to hold down
[phrase form: hold]
01
to restrict the freedom, rights, or aspirations of individuals or groups, often through oppressive or authoritarian measures
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
down
Base verb
hold
Present tense
hold down
3rd person singular
holds down
Present participle
holding down
Past simple
held down
Past participle
held down
Examples
The population yearns for change, as they have been held down by tyranny for too long.
02
to maintain a job, especially for a certain period of time
Examples
She struggled to hold down a steady job due to her frequent moves.
03
to use force to prevent someone from moving
Examples
The wrestler struggled to hold down his opponent in the match.
04
to maintain something at a low or controlled level
Examples
The central bank 's policies aim to hold down interest rates.
05
to control something, particularly noise or volume, to a more acceptable level
Examples
Could you please hold down the music? It's too loud.
