hold out

/hˈəʊld ˈaʊt/

/hˈoʊld ˈaʊt/

to hold out

MAIN VERB

thrust or extend out

synonyms : exsert

stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something

synonyms : resist

antonyms : surrender

last and be usable

synonyms : endure

wait uncompromisingly for something desirable

to live on no matter how dangerous or threatening the circumstances are

synonyms : endure

*** Withhold something

*** Set something aside or save it for later

Examples

1. He held out an olive branch to the opposition by releasing 42 political prisoners.

2. Most of the country has fallen to the brutal regime, but there remains several pockets of resistance determined to hold out until the bitter end.

3. Hold out your hand.

4. V, hold out your hands.