hold back Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of
   turn back; stop; arrest; contain; check.
   
   • Arrest the downward trend
   • Check the growth of communism in South East Asia
   • Contain the rebel movement
   • Turn back the tide of communism
2. verb keep under control; keep in check
   keep back; restrain; keep.
   
   • suppress a smile
   • Keep your temper
   • keep your cool
3. verb refrain from doing
   forbear.
   
   • she forbore a snicker
4. verb wait before acting
   hold off; wait.
   
   • the scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment
5. verb secure and keep for possible future use or application
   retain; keep back; hold.
   
   • The landlord retained the security deposit
   • I reserve the right to disagree
6. verb hold back; keep from being perceived by others
   conceal; hold in.
   
   • She conceals her anger well

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