Holdup: meaning, definitions and examples

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holdup

 

[ ˈhəʊldʌp ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

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

Examples of usage

  • Don't holdup the project with unnecessary revisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "holdup" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assalto

🇮🇳 लूट

🇩🇪 Überfall

🇮🇩 perampokan

🇺🇦 пограбування

🇵🇱 napad

🇯🇵 強盗 (ごうとう)

🇫🇷 braquage

🇪🇸 asalto

🇹🇷 soygun

🇰🇷 강도

🇸🇦 سرقة

🇨🇿 přepadení

🇸🇰 prepadnutie

🇨🇳 抢劫 (qiǎngjié)

🇸🇮 rop

🇮🇸 rán

🇰🇿 тонау

🇬🇪 ძარცვა

🇦🇿 quldurluq

🇲🇽 asalto

Etymology

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.

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