Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
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Definition
hold1 Show phoneticsverb past held
1 IN HAND [T] to have something in your hand or arms
He was holding a glass of wine.
She held the baby in her arms.
They were holding hands and kissing.
2 KEEP IN POSITION [T] to keep something in a particular position
Can you hold the door open please?
Hold your hand up if you know the answer.
The frame was held together with screws.
They held a gun to his head.
3 ORGANIZE [T] to organize an event
to hold talks/an election
4 CONTAIN [T] to contain something or to be able to contain a particular amount of something
The bucket holds about 10 litres.
5 JOB OR QUALIFICATION [T] to have a particular job, position, or qualification
She held the post of treasurer.
6 COMPETITION [T] to have a particular position in a competition
to hold the world record
to hold the lead
7 STORE [T] to store documents, information, etc in a particular place
The documents are held in the local library.
8 PRISONER [T] to keep someone as a prisoner
Police held the suspect overnight.
The hijackers are holding them hostage/prisoner.
9 ARMY [T] If soldiers hold a place, they control it.
Rebel troops held the village.
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They held the view that corporal punishment was good for children.
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The film held my attention from beginning to end.
13 TELEPHONE [I,T] to wait on the telephone until someone can speak to you
Her line's busy. Would you like to hold?
Hold the line, please.
14 NOT BREAK [I] to not break
The rope held.
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Hold it! I've forgotten my coat.
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a STOP BREATHING to intentionally stop breathing for a time
b WAIT to wait for something to happen, often feeling anxious
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