hold
Please hold the ladder steady while I climb.
Forms
holds v. 3rd-person singular
She holds the record for the fastest time.
held v. past / past participle
He held the umbrella over her as they walked.
holding v. present participle / gerund
Holding his breath, he dove into the pool.
holder noun
Put the pen back in the holder on the desk.
holdings noun (plural)
Her financial holdings include several rental properties.
Phrasal verbs
hold on
Wait for a short time; pause.
Hold on a moment while I find the file you asked for.
hold on to
Keep possession of something; not lose or give away.
Hold on to your receipt in case you need to return the item.
hold up
Delay or cause something to be slower.
Construction on the bridge held us up for nearly an hour.
hold up (rob)
Rob a place or person, often using threat or force.
The convenience store was held up late last night, but the clerk was unharmed.
hold back
Prevent something from happening or restrain an emotion or action.
She couldn't hold back her laughter during the speech.
hold off
Postpone or delay an action or decision.
They decided to hold off on signing the contract until next week.
hold out
Continue to be sufficient or available; last.
We hope the supplies will hold out until the volunteers arrive.
hold out for
Refuse to accept less than what one wants; wait for a better offer.
The artist held out for a higher fee and eventually got it.
hold down
Keep under control, or maintain a job/position.
She holds down two part-time jobs while finishing her degree.
hold together
Remain united or in good condition despite difficulty.
The old book's binding held together better than I expected.
hold in
Keep feelings or reactions under control; suppress.
Try not to hold in your emotions if something is bothering you.
hold to
Make someone keep a promise or stick to an agreement.
If he promised to help, hold him to it and ask for his support.
hold over
Postpone something to a later time or extend a notice/appointment.
They held the meeting over until Monday because several people were absent.