hold
noun
the act of grasping
“he released his clasp on my arm”
“he has a strong grip for an old man”
understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
“he has a good grasp of accounting practices”
power by which something or someone is affected or dominated
“he has a hold over them”
time during which some action is awaited
“instant replay caused too long a delay”
“he ordered a hold in the action”
a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
“his detention was politically motivated”
“the prisoner is on hold”
a stronghold
a cell in a jail or prison
Synonymskeepthe appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
“he grabbed the hammer by the handle”
“it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip”
the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
verb
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., `keep clean'
“hold in place”
“She always held herself as a lady”
have or hold in one's hands or grip
“Hold this bowl for a moment, please”
“A crazy idea took hold of him”
Synonymstake holdOppositeslet go oforganize or be responsible for
“hold a reception”
“have, throw, or make a party”
have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
“She has $1,000 in the bank”
“He has got two beautiful daughters”
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
“take for granted”
“view as important”
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
“bear a grudge”
“entertain interesting notions”
to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
“This holds the local until the express passengers change trains”
“About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade”
secure and keep for possible future use or application
“The landlord retained the security deposit”
“I reserve the right to disagree”
have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices
“She bears the title of Duchess”
“He held the governorship for almost a decade”
Synonymsbearbe the physical support of; carry the weight of
“The beam holds up the roof”
“He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam”
contain or hold; have within
“The jar carries wine”
“The canteen holds fresh water”
have room for; hold without crowding
“This hotel can accommodate 250 guests”
“The theater admits 300 people”
remain in a certain state, position, or condition
“The weather held”
“They held on the road and kept marching”
support or hold in a certain manner
“She holds her head high”
“He carried himself upright”
be valid, applicable, or true
“This theory still holds”
assert or affirm
“Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good”
have as a major characteristic
“The novel holds many surprises”
“The book holds in store much valuable advise”
be capable of holding or containing
“This box won't take all the items”
“The flask holds one gallon”
arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
“reserve me a seat on a flight”
“The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family”
protect against a challenge or attack
“Hold that position behind the trees!”
“Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks”
bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted
“He's held by a contract”
“I'll hold you by your promise”
hold the attention of
“The soprano held the audience”
“This story held our interest”
remain committed to
“I hold to these ideas”
resist or confront with resistance
“The politician defied public opinion”
“The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear”
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
“The same laws apply to you!”
“This theory holds for all irrational numbers”
stop dealing with
“hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting”
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
“moderate your alcohol intake”
“hold your tongue”
keep from departing
“Hold the taxi”
“Hold the horse”
take and maintain control over, often by violent means
“The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week”
cause to stop
“Halt the engines”
“Arrest the progress”
cover as for protection against noise or smell
“She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate”
“hold one's nose”
drink alcohol without showing ill effects
“He can hold his liquor”
“he had drunk more than he could carry”
Synonymscarryaim, point, or direct
“Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames”
declare to be
“She was declared incompetent”
“judge held that the defendant was innocent”
be in accord; be in agreement
“We agreed on the terms of the settlement”
“I can't agree with you!”
keep from exhaling or expelling
“hold your breath”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University