|
|
- pronunciation:
- hold
- parts of speech:
- verb, noun
- phrases:
- hold on, hold out, hold up
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
holds, holding, held |
| definition 1: |
to have or contain within one's hand.
I picked up a cricket and held it gently.
- synonyms:
- clasp, clutch, grip
- antonyms:
- let go, release
- similar words:
- clench, contain, handle, have, palm, retain, seize
|
| definition 2: |
to keep for a certain time.
Hold this letter until I return.- synonyms:
- keep, preserve, reserve, retain
- similar words:
- maintain, save, take care of, watch
|
| definition 3: |
to contain within a particular area.
The theater holds two hundred people.- synonyms:
- accommodate, contain
- similar words:
- encompass, include, seat
|
| definition 4: |
to keep by using force.
The pirates held the sailors as prisoners.- synonyms:
- confine, coop, detain, restrain
- antonyms:
- let go, release
- similar words:
- contain, fix, imprison, jail, kidnap, pen, restrict, retain
|
| definition 5: |
to organize and carry on; have; conduct.
Let's hold a meeting.- synonyms:
- conduct, run
- similar words:
- administer, convene, manage, muster, occupy, preside
|
| definition 6: |
to exercise control over.
She held her temper even though she was mad at her brother.- synonyms:
- bottle up, contain, control, curb, keep, rein, restrain, restrict
- similar words:
- check, confine, leash, reserve, retain, slow, swallow, withhold
|
| definition 7: |
to have in one's mind; to believe.
He holds odd ideas.- synonyms:
- believe, harbor, maintain
- similar words:
- absorb, assert, embrace, endorse, entertain, support, uphold
|
| definition 8: |
to keep the interest of.
Her speech held the audience.- synonyms:
- engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate
- antonyms:
- lose
- similar words:
- absorb, arrest, fix, grip, immerse, interest, occupy
|
| definition 9: |
to keep to a particular position, condition, or course.
Hold still until I tell you to move.Hold to the main road.- synonyms:
- hold tight, keep, persist, remain, stay
- similar words:
- stick
|
| definition 10: |
to remain in force.
That rule about parking holds on weekends only.- synonyms:
- stand
- similar words:
- follow, obtain, persist, prove, remain, square
|
| related words: |
believe, bust, catch, engross, fasten, grip, harbor, keep, leave, own, possess, press, rein, spare, touch |
|
|
|
|
| phrase: |
hold out |
|
|
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
the act of taking or carrying with the hand; grasp; grip.
I dropped the table because I couldn't get a good hold on it.- synonyms:
- clasp, grip
- similar words:
- clutch, hug, purchase
|
| definition 2: |
something to grasp, such as a handle or other support.
When you climb a cliff, you must find holds for your hands and your feet.- synonyms:
- grip, handle
- similar words:
- banister, handrail, knob
|
| definition 3: |
the power to keep control over.
She has a hold on me.- synonyms:
- grasp, grip, influence
- similar words:
- magnetism, power, sway
|
| related words: |
bond, catch, influence, possession |
|
|
| phrase: |
hold on, hold up |
|
|