verb

hold

hohld

verb

To grasp, carry, or support something with your hands or arms.

"She held the baby close as she walked down the stairs."

"Can you hold this bag while I find my keys?"

To keep something in a particular state, position, or place, such as reserving it or making someone wait.

"Please hold my seat while I get some popcorn."

"The airline held the flight for ten minutes to let latecomers board."

To remain true, valid, or in effect.

"That rule still holds, even in the new system."

noun

A grip or grasp on something.

"He kept a firm hold on the rope as he climbed."

The cargo storage area below a ship's deck.

"The crates were stacked deep in the ship's hold."

How to Use Hold

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grip, keep, or maintain something — physically, in time, or in effect.

Common mistake

Note the many fixed phrases — "hold on" (wait), "hold up" (delay or challenge), "get hold of" (contact or obtain) — each carries a different meaning from plain "hold."

Common pairings

hold on hold a grudge on hold hold your breath take hold

Word Forms

more hold comparative, held past tense, holden past tense, holds plural, holds plural, holds singular, most hold superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Can you _____ this bag while I find my keys?

Etymology

From Old English healdan, meaning "to tend, herd, or keep," ultimately from a very old root meaning "to drive" — related to the word "halt."

Antonyms

release

Related Words

free catch capture contain grasp consolation orgasm liberate

Rhymes for hold

old gold cold bold sold fold mold scold ahold behold uphold untold

See all rhymes for hold →

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