What does the phrasal verb “hold against” mean?

What are the definitions of “hold against”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Have a grudge against someone, or little respect.

  He was very rude, but I won't HOLD it AGAINST him.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold against”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold against is to have a grudge or negative feelings towards someone because of something they did or said. It means that you do not forget or forgive someone's actions and continue to judge them based on those actions.

What are the different verb forms of “hold against”?

Root Verb	hold against
Third Person Singular Present	holds against
Present Participle	holding against
Simple Past	held against
Past Participle	held against

Example

I won't hold against you for being late this time.

Example

She holds against him for not helping her when she needed it.

Example

He is holding against her for not inviting him to the party.

Example

They held against him for not keeping his promise.

Example

Her mistake was held against her during the evaluation.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hold against”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“hold against” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I won't hold your mistake against you.

Example

She held his actions against him.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“hold against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I won't hold your mistake against you.

Example

She held his actions against him.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold against”?

Hold something against the wall

To press or push something against a wall or another surface to keep it in place.

Example

He held the painting against the wall to see how it would look.

Hold someone/something against their will

To keep someone or something captive or restrained without their consent.

Example

The kidnappers held the victim against his will for several days.

Hold one's breath

To stop breathing for a short period, often in anticipation or fear.

Example

She held her breath as she watched the suspenseful scene in the movie.

Good things to know

Does “hold against” have an informal or formal tone?

Hold against is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hold against”?

Synonyms

• blame
• disapprove
• judge
• resent
• bear a grudge
• harbor ill feelings

Antonyms

• forgive
• excuse
• pardon
• overlook
• disregard
• forget