Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

hold out

 
See:
hold
part of speech: phrase
definition 1: to refuse to comply until conditions are more favorable (usu. fol. by "for").
The union held out for higher pay for the workers.It's been four weeks, but the workers are still holding out.
synonyms:
sit tight, stand pat
antonyms:
capitulate, submit
similar words:
tough it out, withhold
definition 2: to continue to last; survive; persevere.
Our water should hold out for two more days.People cannot hold out for long without water.
synonyms:
persevere, persist, stand
antonyms:
yield
similar words:
carry on, hang on, wear
definition 3: to have or offer (hope, or a chance or possibility of something happening).
She held out great hope that he would return unharmed.The new treatment holds out hope for patients with this rare disease.This was an unfortunate event, but it holds out an opportunity for us be more prepared in the future.