Dictionary entry details
• HOLD (noun)
Meaning:
The act of grasping
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
clutch; clutches; grip; hold; clasp; clench; grasp
Context examples:
he released his clasp on my arm / he has a strong grip for an old man / she kept a firm hold on the railing
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
grasping; prehension; seizing; taking hold (the act of gripping something firmly with the hands)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "hold"):
choke hold; chokehold (a restraining hold; someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind)
embrace; embracement; embracing (the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection))
wrestling hold (a hold used in the sport of wrestling)
Meaning:
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Synonyms:
appreciation; grasp; hold
Context example:
he has a good grasp of accounting practices
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
apprehension; discernment; savvy; understanding (the cognitive condition of someone who understands)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "hold"):
sense (a natural appreciation or ability)
Meaning:
Power by which something or someone is affected or dominated
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Context example:
he has a hold over them
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
control (power to direct or determine)
Meaning:
Time during which some action is awaited
Classified under:
Nouns denoting time and temporal relations
Synonyms:
delay; postponement; time lag; wait; hold
Context examples:
instant replay caused too long a delay / he ordered a hold in the action
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
break; intermission; interruption; pause; suspension (a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "hold"):
retardation (the extent to which something is delayed or held back)
moratorium (a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged)
extension (a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt)
Meaning:
A state of being confined (usually for a short time)
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Synonyms:
detention; detainment; custody; hold
Context examples:
his detention was politically motivated / the prisoner is on hold / he is in the custody of police
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
confinement (the state of being confined)
Meaning:
A stronghold
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
fastness; stronghold (a strongly fortified defensive structure)
Domain usage:
archaicism; archaism (the use of an archaic expression)
Meaning:
A cell in a jail or prison
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Synonyms:
keep; hold
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
cell; jail cell; prison cell (a room where a prisoner is kept)
Meaning:
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Synonyms:
handgrip; handle; grip; hold
Context examples:
he grabbed the hammer by the handle / it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
appendage (a part that is joined to something larger)
Meronyms (parts of "hold"):
shank; stem (cylinder forming a long narrow part of something)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "hold"):
pommel (a handgrip that a gymnast uses when performing exercises on a pommel horse)
crop (the stock or handle of a whip)
pommel; saddlebow (handgrip formed by the raised front part of a saddle)
mop handle (the handle of a mop)
haft; helve (the handle of a weapon or tool)
knob (a round handle)
hoe handle (the handle of a hoe)
gunstock; stock (the handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gun)
rake handle (the handle of a rake)
hilt (the handle of a sword or dagger)
ax handle; axe handle (the handle of an ax)
stock (the handle end of some implements or tools)
broom handle; broomstick (the handle of a broom)
panhandle (the handle of a pan)
Holonyms ("hold" is a part of...):
watering can; watering pot (a container with a handle and a spout with a perforated nozzle; used to sprinkle water over plants)
umbrella (a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy)
ladle (a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; used to transfer liquids)
teacup (a cup from which tea is drunk)
mug (with handle and usually cylindrical)
briefcase (a case with a handle; for carrying papers or files or books)
French telephone; handset (telephone set with the mouthpiece and earpiece mounted on a single handle)
racket; racquet (a sports implement (usually consisting of a handle and an oval frame with a tightly interlaced network of strings) used to strike a ball (or shuttlecock) in various games)
spatula (a turner with a narrow flexible blade)
saucepan (a deep pan with a handle; used for stewing or boiling)
hand tool (a tool used with workers' hands)
aspergill; aspersorium (a short-handled device with a globe containing a sponge; used for sprinkling holy water)
baggage; luggage (a case used to carry belongings when traveling)
baseball bat; lumber (an implement used in baseball by the batter)
brush (an implement that has hairs or bristles firmly set into a handle)
carpet beater; rug beater (implement for beating dust out of carpets)
carrycot (box-shaped baby bed with handles (for a baby to sleep in while being carried))
cheese cutter (a kitchen utensil (board or handle) with a wire for cutting cheese)
coffee cup (a cup from which coffee is drunk)
coffeepot (tall pot in which coffee is brewed)
bat; cricket bat (the club used in playing cricket)
handlebar (the shaped bar used to steer a bicycle)
cart; go-cart; handcart; pushcart (wheeled vehicle that can be pushed by a person; may have one or two or four wheels)
handbarrow (a rectangular frame with handles at both ends; carried by two people)
frying pan; frypan; skillet (a pan used for frying foods)
faucet; spigot (a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir)
edge tool (any cutting tool with a sharp cutting edge (as a chisel or knife or plane or gouge))
cutlery; eating utensil (tableware implements for cutting and eating food)
Meaning:
The space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Synonyms:
storage area; cargo hold; cargo deck; cargo area; hold
Hypernyms ("hold" is a kind of...):
enclosure (artifact consisting of a space that has been enclosed for some purpose)
Holonyms ("hold" is a part of...):
ship (a vessel that carries passengers or freight)
• HOLD (verb)
Meaning:
Organize or be responsible for
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
hold; give; have; throw; make
Context examples:
hold a reception / have, throw, or make a party / give a course
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
direct (be in charge of)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
keep; maintain; hold
Context examples:
keep clean / hold in place / She always held herself as a lady / The students keep me on my toes
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
housekeep (maintain a household; take care of all business related to a household)
distance (keep at a distance)
preserve (keep undisturbed for personal or private use for hunting, shooting, or fishing)
conserve (keep constant through physical or chemical reactions or evolutionary change)
hold over (keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time)
bear on; carry on; continue; preserve; uphold (keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last)
pressurise; pressurize (maintain a certain pressure)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s something Adjective/Noun
Somebody ----s somebody PP
Somebody ----s something PP
Also:
hold back (hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of)
hold out (stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something)
hold out (continue to live; endure or last)
hold over (keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time)
hold up (cause to be slowed down or delayed)
Meaning:
Have or hold in one's hands or grip
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
take hold; hold
Context examples:
Hold this bowl for a moment, please / A crazy idea took hold of him
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
cradle (hold or place in or as if in a cradle)
trap (hold or catch as if in a trap)
interlace; interlock; lock (hold in a locking position)
clinch (hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches)
cradle (hold gently and carefully)
cling to; clutch; hold close; hold tight (hold firmly, usually with one's hands)
grasp; hold on (hold firmly)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Sentence example:
They want to hold the prisoners
Antonym:
let go of (release, as from one's grip)
Meaning:
To close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
restrain; hold; confine
Context examples:
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains / About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade / The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center / The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
disable; disenable; incapacitate (make unable to perform a certain action)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
ground (confine or restrict to the ground)
fold; pen up (confine in a fold, like sheep)
pound; pound up (shut up or confine in any enclosure or within any bounds or limits)
impound; pound (place or shut up in a pound)
pinion; shackle (bind the arms of)
enchain (restrain or bind with chains)
fetter; shackle (restrain with fetters)
bind; tie down; tie up; truss (secure with or as if with ropes)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices
Classified under:
Verbs of buying, selling, owning
Synonyms:
hold; bear
Context examples:
She bears the title of Duchess / He held the governorship for almost a decade
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
have; have got; hold (have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
Classified under:
Verbs of buying, selling, owning
Synonyms:
have got; have; hold
Context examples:
She has $1,000 in the bank / He has got two beautiful daughters / She holds a Master's degree from Harvard
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
carry (have or possess something abstract)
bear; hold (have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices)
carry; stock; stockpile (have on hand)
exert; maintain; wield (have and exercise)
monopolise; monopolize (have or exploit a monopoly of)
keep (have as a supply)
keep; maintain (maintain for use and service)
keep (look after; be the keeper of; have charge of)
hold on; keep (retain possession of)
keep; maintain; sustain (supply with necessities and support)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Synonyms:
deem; take for; view as; hold
Context examples:
take for granted / view as important / hold these truths to be self-evident / I hold him personally responsible
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
consider; reckon; regard; see; view (deem to be)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s something Adjective/Noun
Somebody ----s somebody something
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
Meaning:
Contain or hold; have within
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
contain; carry; bear; hold
Context examples:
The jar carries wine / The canteen holds fresh water / This can contains water
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
include (have as a part, be made up out of)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
confine; enclose; hold in (close in or confine)
circle; encircle; environ; ring; round; surround (be around)
retain (hold within)
Sentence frame:
Something ----s something
Sentence example:
They hold the animals
Meaning:
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Synonyms:
curb; control; hold in; moderate; contain; check; hold
Context examples:
moderate your alcohol intake / hold your tongue / hold your temper / control your anger
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
hold back; keep; keep back; restrain; suppress (keep under control; keep in check)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
counteract; countercheck (oppose or check by a counteraction)
thermostat (control the temperature with a thermostat)
bate (moderate or restrain; lessen the force of)
catch (check oneself during an action)
train (train to grow in a certain way by tying and pruning it)
restrict (place under restrictions; limit access to)
abnegate; deny (deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure)
cricify; mortify; subdue (hold within limits and control)
damp (restrain or discourage)
conquer; curb; inhibit; stamp down; subdue; suppress (to put down by force or authority)
bound; confine; limit; restrain; restrict; throttle; trammel (place limits on (extent or access))
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Remain in a certain state, position, or condition
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Context examples:
The weather held / They held on the road and kept marching
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
continue; go along; go on; keep; proceed (continue a certain state, condition, or activity)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s PP
Meaning:
Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
Classified under:
Verbs of feeling
Synonyms:
harbor; nurse; entertain; harbour; hold
Context examples:
bear a grudge / entertain interesting notions / harbor a resentment
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
experience; feel (undergo an emotional sensation)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Assert or affirm
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Context example:
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
affirm; assert; aver; avow; swan; swear; verify (to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
Sentence example:
They hold that there was a traffic accident
Meaning:
Remain committed to
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Context example:
I hold to these ideas
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
believe; conceive; consider; think (judge or regard; look upon; judge)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s PP
Meaning:
Secure and keep for possible future use or application
Classified under:
Verbs of buying, selling, owning
Synonyms:
keep back; retain; hold back; hold
Context examples:
The landlord retained the security deposit / I reserve the right to disagree
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
hold on; keep (retain possession of)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
hold down (keep)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Sentence example:
They hold the money
Meaning:
Be the physical support of; carry the weight of
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
hold up; support; sustain; hold
Context examples:
The beam holds up the roof / He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam / What's holding that mirror?
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
brace (support by bracing)
truss (support structurally)
prop; prop up; shore; shore up (support by placing against something solid or rigid)
underpin (support from beneath)
bracket (support with brackets)
pole (support on poles)
buoy; buoy up (keep afloat)
chock (support on chocks)
carry (bear or be able to bear the weight, pressure,or responsibility of)
block (support, secure, or raise with a block)
scaffold (provide with a scaffold for support)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Hold the attention of
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Context examples:
The soprano held the audience / This story held our interest / She can hold an audience spellbound
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
becharm; beguile; bewitch; captivate; capture; catch; charm; enamor; enamour; enchant; entrance; fascinate; trance (attract; cause to be enamored)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Keep from exhaling or expelling
Classified under:
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care
Context example:
hold your breath
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
hold back; keep; keep back; restrain; suppress (keep under control; keep in check)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Support or hold in a certain manner
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
carry; bear; hold
Context examples:
She holds her head high / He carried himself upright
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
acquit; bear; behave; carry; comport; conduct; deport (behave in a certain manner)
balance; poise (hold or carry in equilibrium)
piggyback (support on the back and shoulders)
stoop (carry oneself, often habitually, with head, shoulders, and upper back bent forward)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Have room for; hold without crowding
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
accommodate; admit; hold
Context examples:
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests / The theater admits 300 people / The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
sleep (be able to accommodate for sleeping)
house (contain or cover)
seat (be able to seat)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Be capable of holding or containing
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
contain; hold; take
Context examples:
This box won't take all the items / The flask holds one gallon
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
be (have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun))
Sentence frame:
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Be valid, applicable, or true
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
prevail; obtain; hold
Context example:
This theory still holds
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
be; exist (have an existence, be extant)
Sentence frame:
Something ----s
Meaning:
Take and maintain control over, often by violent means
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Context example:
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
command; control (exercise authoritative control or power over)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Meaning:
Protect against a challenge or attack
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Synonyms:
defend; guard; hold
Context examples:
Hold that position behind the trees! / Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
protect (shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Declare to be
Classified under:
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing
Synonyms:
adjudge; declare; hold
Context examples:
She was declared incompetent / judge held that the defendant was innocent
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
evaluate; judge; pass judgment (form a critical opinion of)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
formalise; formalize (make formal or official)
cancel; strike down (declare null and void; make ineffective)
judge; label; pronounce (pronounce judgment on)
canonise; canonize; saint (declare (a dead person) to be a saint)
beatify (declare (a dead person) to be blessed; the first step of achieving sainthood)
call (declare in the capacity of an umpire or referee)
certify (declare legally insane)
bastardise; bastardize (declare a child to be illegitimate)
superannuate (declare to be obsolete)
acknowledge; admit (declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s something Adjective/Noun
Somebody ----s somebody something
Meaning:
Have as a major characteristic
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Context examples:
The novel holds many surprises / The book holds in store much valuable advise
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
be (have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun))
Sentence frame:
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Cause to stop
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Synonyms:
halt; arrest; hold
Context examples:
Halt the engines / Arrest the progress / halt the presses
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
stop (cause to stop)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Sentence example:
They hold the animals
Meaning:
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted
Classified under:
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing
Synonyms:
oblige; obligate; bind; hold
Context examples:
He's held by a contract / I'll hold you by your promise
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
relate (have or establish a relationship to)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
tie down (restrain from independence by an obligation)
indent; indenture (bind by or as if by indentures, as of an apprentice or servant)
article (bind by a contract; especially for a training period)
pledge (bind or secure by a pledge)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE
Meaning:
Cover as for protection against noise or smell
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Context examples:
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate / hold one's nose
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
cover (provide with a covering or cause to be covered)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Drink alcohol without showing ill effects
Classified under:
Verbs of eating and drinking
Synonyms:
hold; carry
Context examples:
He can hold his liquor / he had drunk more than he could carry
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
booze; drink; fuddle (consume alcohol)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Be pertinent or relevant or applicable
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
go for; apply; hold
Context examples:
The same laws apply to you! / This theory holds for all irrational numbers / The same rules go for everyone
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
bear on; come to; concern; pertain; refer; relate; touch; touch on (have to do with or be relevant to)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Something is ----ing PP
Meaning:
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Synonyms:
book; reserve; hold
Context examples:
reserve me a seat on a flight / The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family / please hold a table at Maxim's
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
bespeak; call for; quest; request (express the need or desire for; ask for)
"Hold" entails doing...:
procure; secure (get by special effort)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
hold open; keep; keep open; save (retain rights to)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Resist or confront with resistance
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Synonyms:
defy; withstand; hold up; hold
Context examples:
The politician defied public opinion / The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear / The bridge held
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
hold out; resist; stand firm; withstand (stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
brave; brave out; endure; weather (face or endure with courage)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Keep from departing
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Context examples:
Hold the taxi / Hold the horse
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
keep; prevent (prevent from doing something or being in a certain state)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Meaning:
Stop dealing with
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Context example:
hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
defer; hold over; postpone; prorogue; put off; put over; remit; set back; shelve; table (hold back to a later time)
Sentence frame:
Something ----s something
Meaning:
Aim, point, or direct
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Hypernyms (to "hold" is one way to...):
aim; direct; take; take aim; train (aim or direct at; as of blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody PP
Meaning:
Be in accord; be in agreement
Classified under:
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing
Synonyms:
agree; concur; concord; hold
Context examples:
We agreed on the terms of the settlement / I can't agree with you! / I hold with those who say life is sacred / Both philosophers concord on this point
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold"):
arrange; fix up (make arrangements for)
conclude; resolve (reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation)
subscribe; support (adopt as a belief)
concede; grant; yield (be willing to concede)
see eye to eye (be in agreement)
conciliate; make up; patch up; reconcile; settle (come to terms)
settle (end a legal dispute by arriving at a settlement)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s on something
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE
