Hold back: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when preventing oneself or someone else from expressing an emotion or action.

• She had to hold back her tears during the sad movie.
• He couldn't hold back his laughter at the joke.

Used when limiting or controlling the movement, actions, or emotions of someone or something.

• The police had to restrain the aggressor.
• She tried to restrain her excitement.

Utilized when managing or dominating an emotion, behavior, or situation.

• She tried to control her anger during the meeting.
• The teacher has to control the class.

Used when forcibly putting an end to something such as an emotion, activity, or publication. It often has a negative connotation.

• The government tried to suppress the news report.
• He couldn't suppress a smile.

Implies suppressing emotions, thoughts, or desires, often unconsciously. It can have a negative connotation.

• She repressed her memories of the traumatic event.
• He tried to repress his feelings of guilt.

Used when avoiding an action or behavior, usually on purpose.

• Please refrain from smoking in this area.
• He refrained from commenting on the controversial issue.

Use when someone or something is preventing progress or action, often involving feelings or intentions.

• She held back her tears during the speech
• The teacher asked him to hold back his comments until the end

Applied when holding back power, emotions, or actions, usually with a sense of control or regulation.

• The police restrained the suspect
• She had to restrain herself from shouting

Applied when something is creating obstacles or difficulties that delay or prevent progress, often used in a broader or more formal context.

• The rain hindered our plans to go hiking
• Lack of funding has hindered the project's development

Use in formal contexts when something is obstructing or delaying progress, usually in a significant or critical way.

• The accident impeded the flow of traffic for hours
• Financial difficulties can impede academic progress

Used when keeping something for future use, often implying intention or purpose, but not necessarily in a preventive way.

• He reserved a table at the restaurant
• Please reserve your applause until the end of the performance

Used when deliberately holding back something, especially information, support, or permission, usually with the implication of secrecy or intent.

• The company decided to withhold the bonus payments
• The judge ordered him to withhold judgment until all evidence was presented

Used when someone or something is being prevented from progressing or moving forward.

• She had to hold back her tears during the emotional speech.
• Financial issues can hold back the development of the project.

Often refers to a physical or metaphorical obstacle that prevents movement or progress.

• The language barrier made it difficult for them to communicate.
• A barrier was built to keep the animals within the protected zone.

A structure built to block the flow of water and create a reservoir, generally used for water supply or hydroelectric power.

• The hydroelectric dam generates electricity for the entire region.
• They will be conducting routine maintenance on the dam next month.

Refers to a man-made raised area of ground, typically built to carry a road or railroad or to prevent flooding.

• The train tracks are elevated on an embankment.
• The river embankment was fortified to prevent erosion.

Typically refers to a long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea or river. Predominantly used in British English.

• The dyke was reinforced to protect the town from flooding.
• Farmers rely on the dyke to keep their fields dry.

A small barrier built across a river or stream to control the flow of water, often used for managing water levels or fish migration.

• The water level behind the weir rose after the heavy rainfall.
• A fish ladder was built into the weir to help salmon migrate upstream.