Hold: meaning, definitions and examples

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hold

 

[ həʊld ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

on to

Grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands; keep in one's possession.

Synonyms

carry, clasp, grasp, support

Examples of usage

  • He was holding a brown leather suitcase.
  • She held the baby in her arms.
  • The boy held the kite string tightly.
Context #2 | Verb

keep

Keep or reserve for someone.

Synonyms

keep, reserve, save

Examples of usage

  • Please hold a table for us at the restaurant.
  • I'll hold a ticket for you at the box office.
Context #3 | Noun

on to

A grasp or grip.

Synonyms

clasp, grasp, grip

Examples of usage

  • She released her hold on the rope.
  • He tightened his hold on the steering wheel.

Translations

Translations of the word "hold" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segurar

🇮🇳 पकड़ना

🇩🇪 halten

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 тримати

🇵🇱 trzymać

🇯🇵 保持する (hoji suru)

🇫🇷 tenir

🇪🇸 sostener

🇹🇷 tutmak

🇰🇷 잡다 (jabda)

🇸🇦 يمسك (yumsik)

🇨🇿 držet

🇸🇰 držať

🇨🇳 保持 (bǎochí)

🇸🇮 držati

🇮🇸 halda

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 დაჭერა (dach'era)

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 sostener

Etymology

The word 'hold' has Old English origins, with its usage dating back to the 12th century. It evolved from the Old English word 'healdan', meaning 'to keep, observe'. Over the centuries, 'hold' has maintained its fundamental meaning of grasping, carrying, or keeping something. It has become a versatile word used in various contexts to depict the action of holding onto something physically or metaphorically.

See also: held, holder, holders, holding, holdings, holdup, uphold, upholding, withhold, withholding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #655 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.