Dictionary Only:
Explicit Words:

HOLD BACK

(verb)

Definitions

There are 6 meanings of the phrase Hold Back.

Hold Back - as a verb

Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of

Example: "Arrest the downward trend"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
arrest6check16contain9stop6turn back
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
defend11
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

Refrain from doing

Example: "She forbore a snicker"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
forbear12

Wait before acting

Example: "The scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
hold offwait7
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
act5move9
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

Secure and keep for possible future use or application

Example: "The landlord retained the security deposit"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
hold8keep backretain6

Hold back; keep from being perceived by others

Example: "She conceals her anger well"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
conceal11hold in
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

Prevent the action or expression of

Example: "Hold back your anger"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
keep10keep backrestrain8
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

Example Sentences

"She tried to hold back her tears."
"He couldn't hold back his laughter during the comedy show."
"They had to hold back their excitement until the announcement was made."
"The crowd was unable to hold back their applause after the amazing performance."
"I had to hold back my anger and remain calm."
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Word Variations & Relations

A-Z Proximities

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