Holdup: meaning, definitions and examples

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holdup

[ ˈhəʊldʌp ]

^{Context #1}

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

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2}

informal

A delay or obstacle

Synonyms

delay, hindrance, obstacle

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #3}

informal

To delay or impede progress

Synonyms

delay, hinder, impede

Examples of usage

Don't holdup the project with unnecessary revisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "holdup" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assalto

atraso
interrupção

🇮🇳 लूट

रुकावट
विलंब

🇩🇪 Überfall

Verzögerung
Unterbrechung

🇮🇩 perampokan

penundaan
gangguan

🇺🇦 пограбування

затримка
переривання

🇵🇱 napad

opóźnienie
przerwa

🇯🇵 強盗 (ごうとう)

遅れ (おくれ)
中断 (ちゅうだん)

🇫🇷 braquage

retard
interruption

🇪🇸 asalto

retraso
interrupción

🇹🇷 soygun

gecikme
kesinti

🇰🇷 강도

지연
중단

🇸🇦 سرقة

تأخير
انقطاع

🇨🇿 přepadení

zpoždění
přerušení

🇸🇰 prepadnutie

oneskorenie
prerušenie

🇨🇳 抢劫 (qiǎngjié)

延误 (yánwù)
中断 (zhōngduàn)

🇸🇮 rop

zamuda
prekinitev

🇮🇸 rán

seinkun
truflun

🇰🇿 тонау

кешігу
үзіліс

🇬🇪 ძარცვა

შეფერხება
გაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 quldurluq

gecikmə
fasilə

🇲🇽 asalto

retraso
interrupción

Word origin

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.