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
definition 2: to keep for a certain time.
- Hold this letter until I return.
synonyms: keep, preserve, reserve, retain
definition 3: to contain within a particular area.
- The theater holds two hundred people.
synonyms: accommodate, contain
definition 4: to keep by using force.
- The pirates held the sailors as prisoners.
synonyms: confine, coop, detain, restrain
antonyms: let go, release
definition 5: to organize and carry on; have; conduct.
- Let’s hold a meeting.
synonyms: conduct, run
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
definition 7: to have in one’s mind; to believe.
- He holds odd ideas.
synonyms: believe in, harbor, maintain
definition 8: to keep the interest of.
- Her speech held the audience.
synonyms: engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate
antonyms: lose
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
definition 10: to remain in force.
- That rule about parking holds on weekends only.
synonyms: stand
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
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
definition 3: the power to keep control over.
- She has a hold on me.
synonyms: grasp, grip, influence
phrase: hold up
Word Builder: hold +
holder: a thing that you use to hold something else.
