holds (A2)

verb

Pronunciation: hoʊldz

Definition

To have or keep in the hand; to grasp.

Examples

• She holds the baby gently in her arms.

• He holds the door open for others.

• Please hold my bag for a moment.

How to Use holds

hold on (phrasal verb)

To wait for a short time. — "Hold on a minute, I'll be right back."

hold up (phrasal verb)

To delay or obstruct. — "Traffic was held up by an accident."

hold back (phrasal verb)

To restrain or prevent from advancing. — "The police had to hold back the crowd."

hold forth (phrasal verb)

To speak or lecture at length. — "He likes to hold forth on the topic of politics."

hold dear (idiom)

To value something very highly. — "She holds her family dear."

in hold (prepositional phrase)

In a state of suspension or waiting. — "The project is currently in hold due to funding issues."

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