hold

[hoʊld]

hold Definition

• 1. grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands
• 2. keep or detain (someone)
• 3. have in one's possession

Using hold: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hold" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She was holding a large package.

• Example

  The police held him for questioning.

• Example

  I'm holding your keys for you.

hold Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hold

• grip
• clasp
• detain
• retain
• possess
• embrace

Antonyms for hold

• release
• free
• let go

Idioms Using hold

• get hold of

  to obtain something

  Example

  I need to get hold of a copy of that book.

• hold one's tongue

  to remain silent

  Example

  I had to hold my tongue during the argument.

• take hold

  to become established or effective

  Example

  The new policy is starting to take hold.

Phrases with hold

• hold on

  wait a moment

  Example

  Hold on, I'll be right back.

• hold up

  delay

  Example

  The traffic is holding us up.

• hold back

  restrain or prevent from doing something

  Example

  He had to hold back his tears.

Origins of hold

Old English 'healdan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'houden' and German 'halten'

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Summary: hold in Brief

The verb 'hold' [hoʊld] means to grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands, to keep or detain someone, or to have in one's possession. It can be used in phrases like 'hold on,' meaning wait a moment, and idioms like 'get hold of,' meaning to obtain something. 'Hold' also has formal synonyms like 'grasp' and 'possess,' and informal synonyms like 'grab' and 'keep.'