the act of grasping; he released his clasp on my arm; he has a strong grip for an old man; she kept a firm hold on the railing
understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something; he has a good grasp of accounting practices
[ Syn: appreciation , grasp ]
power by which something or someone is affected or dominated; he has a hold over them'
time during which some action is awaited; instant replay caused too long a delay; he ordered a hold in the action
[ Syn: delay , time lag , postponement , wait ]
a state of being confined (usually for a short time); his detention was politically motivated; the prisoner is on hold; he is in the custody of police
[ Syn: detention , detainment , custody ]
a stronghold
a cell in a jail or prison
[ Syn: keep ]
the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it; he grabbed the hammer by the handle; it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
[ Syn: cargo area , cargo deck , cargo hold , storage area ]
hold (n.)
keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., keep clean; hold in place; She always held herself as a lady; The students keep me on my toes
be the physical support of; carry the weight of; The beam holds up the roof; He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam; Whats holding that mirror?
contain or hold; have within; The jar carries wine; The canteen holds fresh water; This can contains water
have room for; hold without crowding; This hotel can accommodate 250 guests; The theater admits 300 people; The auditorium cant hold more than 500 people
[ Syn: accommodate , admit ]
remain in a certain state, position, or condition; The weather held; They held on the road and kept marching'
support or hold in a certain manner; She holds her head high; He carried himself upright
be valid, applicable, or true; This theory still holds
assert or affirm; Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good'
have as a major characteristic; The novel holds many surprises; The book holds in store much valuable advise'
be capable of holding or containing; This box wont take all the items; The flask holds one gallon
arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance; reserve me a seat on a flight; The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family; please hold a table at Maxims
have or hold in ones hands or grip; Hold this bowl for a moment, please; A crazy idea took hold of him
[ Syn: take hold ]
protect against a challenge or attack; Hold that position behind the trees!; Hold the bridge against the enemys attacks
bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted; Hes held by a contract; Ill hold you by your promise
hold the attention of; The soprano held the audience; This story held our interest; She can hold an audience spellbound'
remain committed to; I hold to these ideas'
resist or confront with resistance; The politician defied public opinion; The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear; The bridge held
be pertinent or relevant or applicable; The same laws apply to you!; This theory holds for all irrational numbers; The same rules go for everyone
stop dealing with; hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting'
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; moderate your alcohol intake; hold your tongue; hold your temper; control your anger
[ Syn: control , hold in , contain , check , curb , moderate ]
keep from departing; Hold the taxi; Hold the horse'
take and maintain control over, often by violent means; The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week'
organize or be responsible for; hold a reception; have, throw, or make a party; give a course
cause to stop; Halt the engines; Arrest the progress; halt the presses
cover as for protection against noise or smell; She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate; hold one's nose'
drink alcohol without showing ill effects; He can hold his liquor; he had drunk more than he could carry
[ Syn: carry ]
aim, point, or direct; Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames'
declare to be; She was declared incompetent; judge held that the defendant was innocent
be in accord; be in agreement; We agreed on the terms of the settlement; I cant agree with you!; I hold with those who say life is sacred; Both philosophers concord on this point
keep from exhaling or expelling; hold your breath'
have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; She has $1, 000 in the bank; He has got two beautiful daughters; She holds a Masters degree from Harvard
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view; take for granted; view as important; hold these truths to be self-evident; I hold him personally responsible
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings); bear a grudge; entertain interesting notions; harbor a resentment
to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement; This holds the local until the express passengers change trains; About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade; The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center; The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
secure and keep for possible future use or application; The landlord retained the security deposit; I reserve the right to disagree
have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices; She bears the title of Duchess; He held the governorship for almost a decade
[ Syn: bear ]