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hold1

hold1

 
pronunciation:
hold
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
phrases:
hold against, hold back, hold good, hold off, hold on, hold one's own, hold out, hold over, hold still, hold up, take hold
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: holds, holding, held
definition 1: to have or contain within one's hand or hands.
The child held the coin tightly.
 
synonyms:
clasp, clutch, grip
antonyms:
let go, release
similar words:
clench, contain, handle, have, palm, retain, seize
definition 2: to support and control by means of an instrument or part of the body.
He held the shrimp with his chopsticks.She held a newspaper under her arm.The man held the cigar between his teeth.
synonyms:
clutch, grip
similar words:
suspend
definition 3: to keep until requested.
Please hold this letter until I return.
synonyms:
keep, preserve, reserve, retain
similar words:
maintain, save, take care of, watch
definition 4: to contain within a specified area.
The small theater only holds a hundred people.
synonyms:
accommodate, carry, contain
similar words:
encompass, include, seat
definition 5: to keep in a forcible manner.
The English pirates held the Spanish captain as a prisoner.The women were held against their will.
synonyms:
confine, coop, detain, restrain
antonyms:
let go, release
similar words:
constrain, contain, fix, impound, imprison, incarcerate, jail, kidnap, pen, restrict, retain
definition 6: to organize, have, or preside over.
Let's hold a meeting next week to discuss this matter.
synonyms:
conduct, run
antonyms:
disband
similar words:
administer, convene, manage, muster, observe, occupy, officiate, preside
definition 7: to exercise control over; restrain.
She held her temper despite the provocation.
synonyms:
bottle up, contain, control, curb, keep, rein, restrain, restrict
antonyms:
unleash
similar words:
check, confine, damp, impede, inhibit, leash, repress, reserve, retain, retard, slow, stay, suppress, swallow, withhold
definition 8: to have as an opinion or belief; believe; adhere to.
He holds some odd ideas, doesn't he?She still holds the belief that her son is alive.The author holds that the dropping of the bomb was not necessary to stop the war.[verb + (that) + clause ]
synonyms:
believe, espouse, harbor, maintain
similar words:
absorb, assert, embrace, endorse, entertain, nurse, possess, support, uphold
definition 9: to maintain the interest of.
Her speech held the audience.
synonyms:
engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate
antonyms:
lose
similar words:
absorb, arrest, carry, fix, grip, immerse, interest, occupy, spellbind, transfix
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to keep to a specified position, condition, or course.
Hold still until I tell you to move.Hold to the main road.
synonyms:
continue, hold tight, keep, persist, remain, stay
similar words:
bite, hew, stick
definition 2: to maintain a position faithfully.
Hold to your ideas.
synonyms:
persist, stick by
similar words:
adhere, carry on, cleave, cling, insist, keep
definition 3: to assent or agree (usu. fol. by "with").
She doesn't hold with such notions.
synonyms:
agree, approve, concur, subscribe
similar words:
believe, consider, defend
definition 4: to remain valid.
That regulation doesn't hold anymore.
synonyms:
hold water, stand
similar words:
follow, obtain, persist, prevail, prove, remain, square
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: hold against, hold back, hold good, hold off, hold on, hold one's own, hold out, hold over, hold still, hold up
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act of grasping by physical means.
synonyms:
clasp, grasp, grip
similar words:
bite, clinch, clutch, grapple, hug, purchase
definition 2: something to grasp, such as a handle or other support.
synonyms:
grip, handhold, handle
similar words:
banister, haft, handrail, knob
definition 3: a thing that adheres to something else.
synonyms:
grip
similar words:
clamp, clasp, clip, fastening
definition 4: an order to delay or reserve an item, action, or situation.
a hold on construction
synonyms:
delay, postponement
similar words:
deferment, hiatus, reservation
definition 5: a controlling influence.
She has a hold on me.
synonyms:
clutch, grasp, grip, influence
similar words:
clout, leash, magnetism, mastery, power, sway
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: take hold
Word Builder: hold +
  • holder:
    a thing that you use to hold something else.
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