Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition hold back in American English

hold back phrasal verb

phrasal verb
1

to stop someone or something from moving forward

Example

Ollie had to hold Tom back to prevent him from retaliating.

Example

Her hair was held back by two clips.

Synonyms and related words
hold back intercept obstruct
2

to stop someone from being as successful as they should

Example

Her parents worried that her classmates were holding her back.

Synonyms and related words
let down hold back embarrass
2.1

to stop something from progressing or developing as it should

Example

Long-term water shortages can hold economic development back.

Synonyms and related words
cut into shut off kill
3

to decide not to do or say something, or to make someone decide not to do or say something

Example

He held back, remembering the mistake he had made before.

Synonyms and related words
call off back out pull back
4

to not show what you are thinking or feeling

Example

Joe held back his anger.

Example

She bit her lip to hold back the tears.

Synonyms and related words
manage suppress deal with
5

to not allow someone to have something, for example money

Example

They held back the final payment because they weren't satisfied with the work.

Synonyms and related words
set aside collect store up
Definition hold back in American English