Holdup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛑

Add to dictionary

holdup

[ˈhəʊldʌp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

during a robbery

An instance of stopping or delaying someone, especially by threats or force, in order to steal from them.

Synonyms

heist, robbery, stick-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holdup	Typically used for a situation where something or someone is delayed or held back, but it can also refer to an armed robbery. 1 'There was a holdup in traffic this morning ' 2 'The bank holdup was over in minutes '
robbery	A general term for the act of taking something from someone by force or threat of force. It can be used in most contexts involving theft with violence or intimidation. 1 'The store suffered a robbery last night ' 2 'He was arrested for robbery '
heist	Used to describe a large-scale and often well-planned robbery, usually involving significant amounts of money or valuable items. 1 'The diamond heist made headlines around the world ' 2 'They planned the museum heist for months '
stick-up	An informal term for a robbery, usually by someone with a gun or another weapon, often used in casual or colloquial speech. 1 'The stick-up happened at the corner store ' 2 'He got caught after the stick-up at the gas station '

Examples of usage

The bank holdup was executed with precision.
The police were called to the scene of the holdup.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A delay or obstacle

Synonyms

delay, hindrance, obstacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holdup	Used informally to refer to a situation where something is being delayed or stopped, often due to an unforeseen issue. There was a holdup at the bank this morning \| The construction work faced a holdup due to bad weather
delay	General term to describe any situation where something happens later than expected or planned, without implying the cause. The flight was delayed by two hours \| There was a delay in the delivery of the package
obstacle	Something that blocks your way or prevents progress, often physical, but can also be used metaphorically. The fallen tree was an obstacle on the road \| She overcame many obstacles to achieve her goals
hindrance	Refers to something that makes it more difficult for a desired result to be achieved, with a slight negative connotation. Poor weather conditions are a hindrance to our progress \| His lack of experience was a hindrance in the competition

Examples of usage

We experienced a holdup in traffic on our way to the airport.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To delay or impede progress

Synonyms

delay, hinder, impede.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holdup	Used mainly to describe a situation where progress is stopped or slowed down, often because of unforeseen obstacles or problems. It can also mean a robbery or heist, which gives it a slightly negative tone. There was a holdup in the construction due to bad weather. The bank was the victim of a holdup yesterday.
delay	Refers to a postponement or interruption in time, often due to minor issues or scheduling conflicts. It is neutral in tone. The flight was subject to a two-hour delay due to technical issues. Please inform us of any delay in your arrival.
impede	Describes something that obstructs or slows down progress, often more severely or significantly than 'delay'. It has a somewhat negative connotation. Injuries can impede an athlete's career. Poor weather conditions impeded the rescue efforts.
hinder	Describes actions or factors that cause difficulty or obstruction in progress, often with a sense that these are intentional or significant. This word has a mildly negative connotation. His lack of experience may hinder his ability to complete the project. The heavy traffic was hindering our progress.

Examples of usage

Don't holdup the project with unnecessary revisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Holdups are a common plot device in movies and TV shows, often depicted in thrilling heist stories.
The term is used in many songs, symbolizing pauses in love or challenges in life, for example in the song 'Hold Up' by Beyoncé.
Popular video games sometimes feature holdups as a gameplay mechanic, where players can decide to execute heists or stop an enemy.

Psychology

In conversations, a holdup can refer to social anxiety causing a pause in communication.
Individuals may experience holdups in their thoughts due to stress or distractions, leading to a mental block.
Decision-making can also be a holdup, where overthinking prevents people from moving forward.

History

Holdups have been part of human history for centuries, with documented cases of stagecoach robberies in the 19th century.
Police statistics show that robberies have shifted over time from violent confrontations to more strategic approaches.
The term has been entrenched in American folklore, often romanticizing the 'outlaw' culture of early settlers.

Modern Context

In the business world, a holdup can refer to delays in project timelines caused by unforeseen issues.
Technology advancements have been made to minimize logistical holdups, such as real-time tracking systems.
Globally, supply chain holdups became a significant topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting many industries.

Origin of 'holdup'

Main points about word origin

The term 'holdup' originates from the phrase 'to hold up', which means to stop or delay something.
It became popular in American English around the early 20th century, especially in the context of robberies.
In the context of crime, it commonly refers to a robbery, especially when it's done with threats of violence.

The term holdup originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It was initially used to describe a stoppage or delay, especially in the context of transportation. Over time, the word evolved to also encompass the act of stopping or delaying someone in order to commit a robbery. The slang usage of holdup to mean a delay or obstacle in informal contexts became popular in the 20th century.