1with object Grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands.

1. 1.1with object and adverbial Keep or sustain in a specified position.
   I held the door open for him

   Example sentencesExamples

   • This often involves several members of staff holding the pupil down in a restrictive position.
   • But he put his arms around me in an embrace, then held me away to look at me.
   • The official holds up each vote for the crowd to see, and is greeted with cheers or boos from the good natured crowd.
   • They looked over my shoulder, and when I turned round I saw a security guard holding this guy down by lying on top of him.
   • To check proper adjustment hold the trigger back with the grip safety released and work the hammer back and forth.
   • Smart cards can be programmed so building occupants simply hold a card up to the reader.
   • The security men were holding back the crowd to let the shaken minister and the officials get into a waiting car.
   • He held the rag over her noise and mouth until she slumped over in his arms.
   • Before the advent of modern fastenings, clothes were held together with brooches, or with belts and straps like this one.
   • In flight, they hold their wings up in a slight ‘V’ position.
   • I took a stick of red wax and held it over the fire of a burning candle until it was so hot that it dripped.
   • Firefighters from Leigh, Hadleigh and Southend were held back by the intense heat and smoke as they tried to battle the blaze.
   • He sniffed haughtily, holding open the door for them and watching as they shuffled past.
   • A woman claimed she felt herself being held down as she came round from an operation.
   • As she passed our row, I noticed that her spectacles were held together by generous amounts of sticky tape.
   • Women are held down by the expectations of society.
   • Weakly she attempted to hold herself upright by clutching at the rough bricks.
   • I wore a mid length suede skirt, a long oversized cardigan, some comfy shoes and my hair was held back with the aid of an Alice band.
   • A crowd of up to 200 protesters were held back by troops who used screens and riot shields to form a pathway for the terrified youngsters and their parents.
   • When you walk, stay tall with your head and shoulders back; and hold your head up just slightly.
2. 1.2 Embrace (someone)
   Mark pulled her into his arms and held her close

   Example sentencesExamples

   • As he slowly slides his arms around me, holding me gently in an embrace, I once again start to panic.
   • Instinctively I pulled Danny into my arms and held him close.
   • Once he was gone Silvia broke down fully in a fit of tears, still holding her son close and rocking him slowly in her arms.
   • Leaping up from the ground, she threw her arms around him and held him tight.
   • I put my arms around her and pulled her closer to me, holding her tightly.
   • He cracked a sleepy smile and leant forwards, enveloping me in his arms and holding me tightly.
   • He put his arms around me and held me close; I had never felt so safe in all of my life.
   • I wanted to hold him close to me and whisper in his ear that he'd be fine.
   • Young mothers who were pale with fear and shock held their children as close as they could to protect them.
   • Watching her, I wanted to take her up in my arms, squeeze her, hold her so close the way I used to.
   • Ray put his arms around me and held me close to him, so I rested my head against his shoulder.
   • After the second kiss they just stayed on the bench holding each other.
   • Sam was holding her close, supporting her easily as he gazed down at her, a soft expression on his face.
   • His arms tightened around me, holding me even closer, if that was possible.
   • When we came up his arms were around me and he was holding me close against his chest.
   • I didn't say a word as I rushed into the house and threw my arms around his neck, holding him close and kissing his lips.
   • He wrapped his arms around me again and held me close to him, kissing me passionately.
   • Couples embraced, mothers held their children close, men nodded to each other.
   • She started to cry, and Dad picked her up, holding her close.
   • I didn't resist as he put his arms around my shoulders and held me close to his body.

   Synonyms

   embrace, hug, clasp, cradle, fold, enfold, envelop, squeeze, hold tight, hold in one's arms

   literary embosom
3. 1.3 Be able to bear (the weight of a person or thing)
   I reached up to the nearest branch which seemed likely to hold my weight

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I picked a random room and walked in, not being able to hold Corbin's weight long enough to find his room.
   • Makala leaned on him and let him hold most of her weight as he led her upstairs to his apartment.
   • Several pieces of wood joined together can hold more weight than just a piece of wood.
   • Metal buildings are usually engineered to hold only the weight of the standing seam metal.
   • The railing wasn't meant to hold that much weight, so it collapsed backwards.
   • The rope snapped at his wrists as it burned into him, holding all his weight.
   • She toke a deep breath and licked her lips before she stood up again and as if by a miracle, her legs were able to hold her weight.
   • The lock has a heavy-duty level strength rating, meaning it holds more weight.

   Synonyms

   support, bear, carry, take, hold up, keep up, sustain, prop up, bolster up, shore up, buttress, brace
4. 1.4 (of a vehicle) maintain close contact with (the road), especially when driven at speed.
   the car holds the corners very well

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Certainly the car holds the road well and steers nicely and positively, whether on rural rides or slamming it down the motorway.
   • Today's Signa and Vectra hold the road with an accuracy and tenacity alien to their ancestors, making them good fun to drive.
   • The Cooper S holds the road well and although the ride can be a little stiff at times, that's only to be expected with something this sporty.
   • I felt safe going around the corners because it held the road quite well.
   • The car holds the road very, very well at whatever speed I put it to, and I got her up to 110 to 115.
   • It was a good driving experience, though; it held the road well and the steering felt smooth.
   • As I've noted before, the Primera is extremely surefooted and I've now discovered that it holds the road well in ice and snow.
5. 1.5 (of a ship or an aircraft) continue to follow (a particular course)
   the ship is holding a south-easterly course

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The night was still, with no breeze at all, yet the fully rigged ship continued to hold her course for land.
   • For the moment I held a steady course and kept a focus on the orientation instruments .
   • The minister's mission is to hold a steady course until the next general election.
6. 1.6archaic no object, with adverbial of direction Keep going in a particular direction.
   he held on his way, close behind his friend

2with object Keep or detain (someone)

1. 2.1 Keep possession of (something), typically in the face of a challenge or attack.
   the rebels held the town for many weeks

   no object White managed to hold on to his lead

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Rebels hold the north and loyalist forces the south of what was considered a haven of peace and prosperity until a 1999 coup.
   • This may be the key to why Labour is likely to hold Shipley but lose Finchley to the Tories.
   • Doona struck the first of his two goals ten minutes into the first half, a lead which they held at the break.
   • Thousands of others remain trapped in the northern hills held by the rebels.
   • Only the original rebel group which holds the northern half of Ivory Coast is, so far, in talks with the government.
   • Commanders and their staff sometimes made lethal errors and engaged positions their own men held.
   • Six-time defending champ Lance Armstrong held on to the overall lead, cruising to a safe finish in the fifth stage of the Tour de France.
   • She achieved her best time for the marathon of 2hrs 55 mins in London nine years ago and still holds the Rochdale 20 course record.
   • The Federal Opposition Leader says her work in the community will ensure she holds on to the seat of Ballarat.
   • The citizens of Prague rose in revolt against the occupying German forces on 5 May 1945 and held the city until the Russian Army arrived four days later.
   • The USA continues to defy the odds by holding on to their slender lead in their Chess Summit match against China.
   • He also holds the England goalscoring record, getting 49 goals in 106 games.
   • Even if the party holds on to the government, the position of the president and his government would be weakened.
   • While the party suffered yet another crushing defeat, he was able to hold a safe Labor seat.
   • St Kieran's Jim O'Donovan who played superbly in the second half, holds on to his place at midfield with Niall Moran the player to lose out.
2. 2.2 Keep (someone's interest or attention).
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Ailsa glanced at it again, then decided it wasn't interesting enough to hold her attention.
   • Newspapers, magazines, television and computers all fight to attract and hold our attention.
   • She moved closer to the window to see what had been interesting enough to hold Amber's attention.
   • After that, though, there wasn't much to hold their interest, and they both sank into a doze.
   • While not quite worthy of some of the hype it received last year, Monster's Ball is an interesting film that certainly holds your attention.
   • She can transform the most boring plot into an interesting and informative story, which can hold the attention of any child.
   • Their curiosity is endless and finding something to do which is engrossing enough to hold their attention for a while is difficult.
   • You have an ability to concentrate and work intently on anything which holds your interest.
   • It was a highly entertaining and competitive match that held the attention of all to the very end.
   • The result is a flawed but intriguing film that succeeds in holding your attention with a number of fine set pieces and some gleefully relaxed performances.
   • Adverts on the Internet must attract and hold attention, and quickly communicate a positive benefit for the brand.
   • Even the election isn't fully holding my interest, and Heaven knows if ever there was an interesting election, this one is it.
   • Reilly's story, one of loyalty, brotherhood, and dogged determination, captures and holds the reader's attention.
   • There is enough diversity among the songs to hold one's interest but not so much fluctuation that the relaxed mood is disrupted.
   • The menu itself is interesting enough to hold's one attention for several minutes.
   • The spark had gone out of him and what he used to find amusing held no interest for him any longer.
   • It's a strong, surprising show that holds everyone's interest and makes us forget the penetrating chill of the building.
   • Nothing seems to really hold my interest long enough to make me pay enough attention to it.
   • Attracting a crowd and holding its attention is something old media companies could do because they had a distribution stranglehold.
   • Sure, we noticed that the election campaign had begun, but it failed to hold our interest for long.

   Synonyms

   maintain, keep, keep up, keep alive, occupy, engross, absorb, interest, captivate, fascinate, enthral, rivet, monopolize

   engage, catch, capture, grip, arrest
3. 2.3 (of a singer or musician) sustain (a note).
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Unfortunately for us the singer can actually hold a note, thereby making all of his vocals entirely understandable.
   • A trumpet appears at the end of the song, plucks a note from the air and holds it until I think something will burst.
   • Unfortunately the singers having some trouble holding the notes and it seems to be sapping the energy they're all generating.
   • A lone cello holds a plaintive note under acoustic strumming as Rouse intones in a delicate, flaky voice: ‘It's a great world.’
   • I sang, slowing the song right down and holding the note, knowing it would impress people.
   • Now it's up to von Tetzchner to prove that, like any accomplished tenor, he can hold a note.
   • The singer can't really hold a tune.
4. 2.4 Stay or cause to stay at a certain value or level.
   no object MCI shares held at 77p

   with object they are trying to hold public spending to £244.5 billion

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It has been held at that level for the whole time this Government has been in office.
   • Cheeses age at different rates and must be held at constant temperatures to achieve their optimum flavour.
   • The decision was widely expected by analysts and borrowing costs have now been held at their current levels since the start of June.
   • Markets outside the US such as Asia where exporters quote in dollars will also offer greater opportunities, if the dollar holds at current levels, he said.
   • While holding the increase in overall spending to less than 4 percent, the budget proposes increases in several areas.
   • He said he expects to hold this higher level of spending through next year.
   • On Wall Street the major averages held steady throughout the day.
   • The change has helped hold down inflation levels even as it promotes global growth.
   • The unemployment rate held at 5.6 percent and more job-seekers left the work force.
   • Rather than cutting spending, it should be held at current levels to create stability in the system.
5. 2.5 (in sport) manage to achieve a draw against (opponents thought likely to win)
   AC Milan were held to a 1–1 draw by Udinese

   Example sentencesExamples

   • San Marino were beaten, Croatia were held, and Brown's escapology confounded his critics once more.
   • In Africa, Ivory Coast stayed on course for a World Cup debut after holding Libya to a 0-0 draw in Tripoli.
   • Few would have backed him to get a win over Liverpool, and many would have baulked at a belief they could hold high-flying Everton.
   • If Astle had scored England could have come home from Mexico having held the greatest team to have played the game to a draw.
   • Three seasons ago in this cup Berwick held Hearts and went ahead in the replay in Edinburgh only to lose late on.
   • Keighley Shamrocks also played out a goalless draw as they held Division One leaders Ardsley Celtic at home.
   • Blackburn Rovers gave themselves a terrific chance of reaching a second successive Worthington Cup final by holding Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last night.
   • Uzbekistan weathered a storm of China's attacks, holding the host to a scoreless draw in the first half.
   • And at the interval they were holding their more illustrious opponents as they went into the break level.
   • Slovenia scored a priceless away goal and succeeded in holding Croatia to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their playoff.

3no object Remain secure, intact, or in position without breaking or giving way.

1. 3.1 (of a favourable condition or situation) continue without changing.
   let's hope her luck holds

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The troops are still there, of course, and the peace is still holding.
   • According to the most recent reports, the ceasefire seems to be holding.
   • On day three, the weather was continuing to hold, so they sailed about five miles west to the island of Boreray.
   • So it is back to square one unless the Good Friday Agreement holds.
   • The ceasefire brokered in the aftermath of the attack is shaky but continues to hold.
   • I was the second to last person on board and my luck continued to hold with an empty seat beside mine so there was extra underseat space to stash my stuff.
   • For now, however, the ceasefire holds with both sides of the political divide stating their continued commitment to the peace process.
   • Peace has held for six years but political, economic and social life is still on its way to recovery.
   • We expect the ceasefire to continue holding in order to enable this process to move forward at a quicker pace.
   • I hope my luck holds, but finding the coupon was a big enough boost anyway.
   • Croft watched the sky redden and hoped the weather would continue to hold.
   • The Tories are pinning their hopes on a May election and optimistically predict a hung parliament if today's poll findings continue to hold.

   Synonyms

   continue, carry on, go on, hold on, hold out, keep up, keep going, last, persist, endure, stay, remain, remain unchanged
2. 3.2 Be or remain valid or available.
   I'll have that coffee now, if the offer still holds

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Our offer still holds. If they want to have a debate and a vote on a constitutional amendment, we're prepared to accept that agreement.
   • It makes sense as a matter of economics only when several conditions hold.
   • The association between frequency of heroin use and dependence appears to hold only for males.
   • In fact, most of the systems in place in medicine were never formally designed, and this holds for the entire process of giving drugs.
   • The same argument holds if some section of the population hold a disproportionate amount of wealth and power - you essentially get a de facto aristocracy.
   • What we want at this meeting is clarification about whether this agreement from 1993 still holds.
   • Clearly some explanations hold in some situations and not in others, but one factor that all studies have found to be important is a history of conflict.
   • The old argument that it was necessary to pay these CEOs high salaries in order to retain them no longer holds.
   • None of these conditions is likely to hold in the situations we studied.
   • But the context usually makes clear which is meant and this argument doesn't hold for all such words.

   Synonyms

   remain available, remain valid, remain in force, hold good, stand, apply, remain, exist, operate, obtain, be the case, be in force, be in operation, be in effect
3. 3.3 (of an argument or theory) be logical, consistent, or convincing.
   their views still seem to hold up extremely well

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Possibly she is so in love that she hasn't noticed that her boyfriend's story just doesn't hold together.
   • To me, it's not terribly important whether or not the theory holds up to scientific scrutiny.
   • The plot holds together well, featuring a number of laugh-out-loud moments, and some terribly amusing twists.
   • She shows that the upbeat view doesn't hold up in the face of a careful examination of the numbers.
   • If your argument holds, why are you bothering to say anything here?
   • This is the first theory I've heard that holds together on all levels.
   • Given the damning evidence that Secrest and Hyland present, this view no longer holds up.
   • And if something travels faster than light Einstein's Theory doesn't hold.

   Synonyms

   be convincing, be logical, hold, hold water, bear examination, survive investigation, be verifiable, be provable
4. 3.4hold to Refuse to abandon or change (a principle or opinion)
   those who held to the view that Britain should not be part of the Common Market

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Smith still holds to the view that to return to another Scottish club would be too difficult a proposition.
   • ‘The Government must ensure the EU holds to this line and does not concede any greater cuts,’ he said.
   • The conservative generally has a strong belief in God and holds to traditional moral values.
   • Anglican arguments prevailed and the Catholics, while holding to their faith, abandoned political resistance.
   • My younger sister holds to that tradition, but my older sister's boys are too old to be dragged anywhere by a women who is their mom.
   • In essence, the Committee holds to the view that once Canadians give up control over what amounts to our cultural sovereignty, we can never get it back.
   • We do not hold to the view that judicial independence means a licence to behave without restraint.
   • The secular left holds to a hard-nosed set of moral absolutes.
   • If MTV holds to this agenda I may be able to watch it again, maybe - some hopeful signs as we enter the new year.
   • Those who hold to the possibility of progress insist that they do because history supports it.
   • It would appear from your report that he holds to his own personal standard of ‘I'll do what I like’.
   • He has decided that attaining power is more important than holding to his principles.
   • Such is the case with scientists who hold to an evolutionary view of earth history.
   • It still holds to its guideline of 1985 that the contemporary is necessary both in its own right and as a complement to the collection of traditional art.
   • But he has a better excuse for holding to this wrongheaded view than do his colleagues.
   • He still holds to the view that progress and religion are inextricably linked in a positive sense.
5. 3.5hold someone towith object Cause someone to adhere to (a commitment)
   the role of the media ought to be to hold politicians to their promises

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I believe that we should hold her to that commitment.
   • We'll hold you to that, we'll come back here a year from today, we'll take a look at these predictions.
   • They must expect the electorate to hold them to what they have said.
   • I will ensure that any statements regarding funding for sewerage treatment works for Waterford made prior to the Election will be held to.
   • It did make a promise that everybody would have access to an NHS dentist and we need to hold them to that.
   • In that case it will be up to the more idealistic among us to hold the president to his commitment.
   • They've said they will involve the NGO sector, so let's hold them to that.
   • The U.N. report is simply holding America to its own pledge.
   • I would have thought the unions' first interest should still be holding James Hardie to the spirit and structure of Friday's announcement.
   • The Labour Party manifesto said that it had no intention of restricting the sport of shooting and we will seek to hold them to that commitment.
   • Flood victims will want to hold them to that commitment.
   • ‘And what I hope people can do is to take this commitment now and hold us to it… it is something that we are fundamentally committed to,’ he said.
   • You're not suddenly going to tell the world you have a claim on me, or try to hold me to some sort of commitment?

4with object Contain or be capable of containing (a specified amount)

1. 4.1 Be able to drink (a reasonable amount of alcohol) without becoming drunk or suffering any ill effects.
   I can hold my drink as well as anyone

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Some men may not want to hear this, but scientists have found women are better at holding their drink.
   • He really can't hold his drink well though, half a shandy and he started pouring his little heart out to me on the way back to the hotel.
   • The judge said he thought it much more likely it was not being able to hold his drink which had triggered Hussain's actions and contributed to his loss of temper.
   • Jake was famous for not being able to hold his drink.
2. 4.2 Have or be characterized by.
   I don't know what the future holds

   Example sentencesExamples

   • This theory holds even more truth today because with the amount of mixed and confusing messages regarding health and fitness, most consumers are confused.
   • Once more the computer was produced to show me what the future held, based on a range of percentage growth projections.
   • I personally am looking forward to staying there as it holds a very special place in my heart.
   • We live in interesting times, which hold some of the greatest challenges the human race as a whole will have ever faced.
   • When all you could remember was captivity, freedom didn't hold that much appeal.
   • A verbal agreement can hold more weight than, or even entirely supercede, a written one.
   • Towards the end of the book he looks at what the future holds, based on programmes that have been funded and are about to start.
   • Whatever the future holds this has certainly opened the eyes of governments around the globe.
   • While this ‘brave new world’ represents great challenges, it also holds the promise of great rewards.
   • For fans of acoustic blues, the concert calendar hasn't held this much promise in years.
   • They know the extreme importance exchange rate stability holds for future inflationary movements.
   • This idea that freedom holds as much in the way of unhappiness as totalitarianism harks back to the existential writers who influenced Brink when he studied at the Sorbonne in the 1950s.
   • Of course, like anything in the future, this holds terrifying possibilities.
   • The future of nursing holds a myriad of challenges.
   • Language thus holds the key to challenging and changing male hegemony.
   • What lessons do you think this holds for modern day musicians who have easy access to far superior equipment?
   • Nevertheless, this biography of Theodore Swann holds something of interest for everyone.
   • But for Pauline every working day holds fears of another attack, after armed robbers targeted the business for the fourth time in seven months.
   • It is the present and the future which hold much more interest.
   • Readers will spend more time with what is important to them and less time with information that holds little or no value for them.

5with object Have in one's possession.

1. 5.1North American informal no object Be in possession of illegal drugs.
   he was holding, and the police hauled him off to jail
2. 5.2 Have or occupy (a job or position)
   she held office from 1985 to 90

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Lady Thatcher launched a stinging attack on Mr Clarke, who held a string of Cabinet posts in her governments.
   • Both of her parents were mayors of Sligo - her mother was the first woman ever to hold that position.
   • Although ranked below the chief and chairman, a secretary holds a highly respected position.
   • Women commonly hold both an office or factory job and the job of managing the household.
   • As Professor he received 40 per year and was not allowed to hold any other positions inside the College or University.
   • If nothing else, it's past time for a Hispanic to hold such a high office of state.
   • Johnson held various temporary positions around Cambridge for the next 19 years.
   • In 1965 she became a judge of the Supreme Court of South Australia, the first woman in Australia to hold such a position.
   • The nobility held the highest positions in the Church, the army and the government.
   • He took office under Bonar Law in 1922 as secretary of state for air and held the same office under Baldwin.
   • For someone who holds such a powerful position in the NHS, it's striking that he's no older than the average hospital registrar.
   • And of course there is nothing to stop conductors holding two such appointments simultaneously.
   • His younger brother, Alfred, would hold this same office five years later.
   • Upon returning to Thailand, he then began his long political career, holding numerous positions over the years.
   • She held that position for more than 20 years, during which time she served on a number of public bodies.
   • It is a scandal that he is allowed to hold such a powerful position in the Republican Party.
   • By 1543 he had been appointed a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, a position he held for the rest of his life.
   • He died of a heart attack, having held office for only one year and five months.
   • She's vying to become the first person from Saudi Arabia to hold elected office in this country.
   • It serves Pryor well because it gives him a shot at a lifetime appointment to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a position he already holds on a temporary basis.

   Synonyms

   occupy, have, be in, fill

   informal hold down
3. 5.3with object Have (a belief or opinion)
   I feel nothing but pity for someone who holds such chauvinistic views

   with clause they hold that all literature is empty of meaning

   Example sentencesExamples

   • My observations are that unethical, immoral college students tend to hold those same personal values for most of their lives.
   • You may or may not hold these as values, but that is beside the point.
   • What we get from him is an attack on anyone who holds views that are different to his.
   • Further along still there is a no-compromise position which holds that in every sphere of business activity, human rights are binding and should be observed.
   • It is a subject on which Evangelicals hold differing opinions.
   • Lavoisier's belief reveals that he still held a somewhat traditional view of elements.
   • One theory holds that depressed mothers are less able to plan activities for their children; another that they have a hard time interacting with their kids.
   • Unfortunately, all too many parents and coaches hold the same view about youth soccer.
   • That theory holds that the universe was created 10 to 20 billion years ago when a cosmic explosion hurled matter in all directions.
   • It's a view the parish council holds to this day - and one with which the Highways Agency agreed.
   • The findings of the survey challenge the belief held by many teachers that parents are behind a child's bad behaviour.
   • I also hold that the conditions under which animals are kept and hunted are morally wrong.
   • The values we hold have made us good neighbors for centuries, and they will keep us as strong allies and good friends for the centuries to come.
   • It is just that their school places an emphasis on what it holds to be important subjects, hires good teachers and instils the necessary ambition in pupils.
   • Only 24 hours later, few within the party itself could pretend to hold such an optimistic opinion on the future of their leader.
   • His analysis holds that nurses have the greatest knowledge and least authority when it comes to patient care.
   • But I also hold the very strong view that republicans need to lead by example.
   • Ceasing to express a political opinion doesn't mean you stop holding it.
   • I did not believe in God, in Jesus, in any doctrine the church holds to be true.

   Synonyms

   believe, think, consider, take the view, feel, maintain, swear, deem, be of the opinion, subscribe to the opinion

   adjudge, judge, rule, decide

   North American figure

   informal reckon

   formal esteem, opine
4. 5.4with object and complement Consider (someone) to be responsible or liable for a particular situation.
   you can't hold yourself responsible for what happened

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Canadian law recognizes exceptional situations where an officer or director can be held liable.
   • I say to the Minister that we on this side of the House will hold him responsible for any loss of life.
   • Nor can he be held entirely responsible for the inadequacy of the flood defences, despite a specific warning well in advance.
   • Such people seem to be holding me responsible for the actions of others.
   • Directors will be held accountable for what they know and what they should know.
   • Must courts hold mothers accountable when they make false statements regarding paternity?
   • Mr Maharey does not want to be held to account for what was said.
   • The courts are increasingly holding employers responsible for maintaining a safe workplace.
   • The law does hold people responsible for failing to act if they are under a legal obligation to do so.
   • It's time to hold our elected officials responsible for what's happening in our hospitals.
   • Now, they hold him responsible for planning to destabilise the country.
   • The trial judge held the defendants liable for failing to close down that part of the factory.
   • He holds the lawyer responsible for the death of his sister.
   • At campuses across the country he inspired young people to form their own public citizen's groups holding corporate America to account.
   • If he is a fraudster, then those who supported him must be held accountable for doing so.
   • All we are doing is holding the Minister of Police to account for the answer he gave in this House yesterday.
   • They did not hold their doctors responsible for what they perceived to be a consequence of the scarcity of resources in the NHS.
   • At the most recent inquiry, however, it seems that a jury decided that the policemen should be held accountable.
   • In some countries the law states that if underage youngsters break the law the parents are held responsible too.
   • I did not intend or foresee these consequences and it would seem extremely unfair to hold me responsible for them.
5. 5.5hold someone/something in Regard someone or something with (a specified feeling)
   the speed limit is held in contempt by many drivers

   Example sentencesExamples

   • This 30-track anthology explains just why so many of his contemporaries hold Reilly in such regard.
   • His fingers leap between frets as the memories flood back and you realise just why people hold this man's musicianship in such high regard.
   • The political system, riddled with corruption, is held in increasing public contempt.
   • Kathleen, Madeline and Kate are held in very high regard by the Irish-American community in New York.
   • McLellan holds his predecessor in high regard and acknowledges Fairweather raised the profile and importance of the office.
   • The Russian nobility remained aloof from the business élite, and was held in contempt by the intelligentsia.
   • He was widely held in high esteem for his witty sense of humour.
   • So why is it that journalists are held in even lower regard by the general public than politicians?
   • Such societies are held in relatively low regard by the college authorities.
   • As an MSP, he is held in great affection by the people of North Tayside.
   • She was a friendly and caring lady and was held in very high esteem.
   • Frederick William inherited a state where the previous ruler had been held in very low regard by the real power base in Brandenburg-Prussia - the Junkers.
   • All the episode proved was that he did not hold managers in high regard.
   • Voters held O'Connor in the highest regard, with 61 percent having a favorable opinion of him.
   • We hold teachers in high regard, up there with scientists, doctors and military officers.
   • She said the presence of such a large international fleet was a mark of the high esteem in which Nelson continued to be held.
   • I know that police officers are held, in the main, in very high esteem by society because society depends on them.
   • Even though he held business in contempt - as would any right-thinking, left-leaning humanities professor - the marketplace intrigued him.
   • From the players I've spoken to it's fair to say all those who work with him hold Corrigan in high regard.
   • I find it interesting that throughout the world church culture holds Christian musicians in high regard.
6. 5.6with clause (of a judge or court) rule; decide.
   the Court of Appeal held that there was no evidence to support the judge's assessment

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The great weight of judicial precedent holds that there is no fundamental individual right to own a gun.
   • The Court of Appeal held that the judge was correct to take this approach.
   • The judge held that there was no financial inducement which led Watford to accept the relevant contract term.
   • The judge held that they should have approached the Law Society for assistance at a much earlier stage.
   • In the event, the judge held that the decision was not perverse and he dismissed the appeal.
   • The coroner refused to leave the issue of neglect to the jury and the Court of Appeal held that he was right not to do so.
   • The judge held that each of the appellants was personally responsible for the misleading accounts.
   • The Court of Appeal held that the trial judge was justified in making that decision.
   • Kingston holds that there is no defence available and D is therefore convicted on the basis of his intention or recklessness.
   • The Registrar held that Lloyd's refusal of the offer that they had made was not unreasonable.
   • It is not entirely clear to me in what respects the judge held Mr Skinner to have been negligent.
   • The Court of Appeal held that he was not entitled to make that amendment.
   • On appeal the Court of Appeal held that the judge had properly allowed the evidence of the interviews to be given.
   • If each of the drivers were alive and neither chose to give evidence, the court would unhesitatingly hold that both were to blame.
   • The Court of Appeal held that the defendant bank had acted without negligence.
   • Once again the Court of Appeal held that no such retrospective application of section 3 was possible.
   • This court held that the claimants were entitled to the cost of repairs.
   • In fact, one of the South Australian single judges held that there was no jurisdiction.
   • The judge held that the reinsurers could not withhold approval unless there were reasonable grounds for doing so.
   • The judge held that the trust ended as soon as the money was paid into court.

6with object Keep or reserve for someone.

1. 6.1 Maintain (a telephone connection) until the person one has telephoned is free to speak.
   please hold the line, and I'll see if he's available

   no object will you hold?

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The Evening Press tried to get through to the service, but, after being told to hold the line, had to wait for three minutes before getting any reply.
   • Please hold and your call will be answered as soon as possible.
   • Oh hello Stephanie, can you hold the line a moment and I'll go and find him.
   • ‘You have my daughter Mia there. I wonder if I can have a word with her please.’ ‘Certainly sir. Just hold the line and I'll take the phone through to her.’

7with object Prevent from going ahead or occurring.

1. 7.1North American informal Refrain from adding or using (something, typically an item of food or drink)
   a strawberry margarita, but hold the tequila

   Example sentencesExamples

   • As more Americans hold the cream and cut the carbs, Starbucks has been forced to respond.
   • Would Steve McQueen have been a skinny latte man? Does Sean Penn ask them to hold the fries and the bun when he orders a burger?
   • Add a slice of cheese to your sandwich, but hold the mayonnaise.
   • When she ate there, once or twice a month, she asked them to hold the cheese on her burger and give her a salad instead of fries.
2. 7.2hold itinformal Wait or stop doing something.
   hold it right there, mate!

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Hold it! Something doesn't sound right.
   • ‘Whoa, hold it a minute,’ Mike said, sitting up straight in his chair.
   • Hold it right there. No one's going anywhere.
3. 7.3archaic no object Restrain oneself.
   ‘Hold, hold!’ he cried

8with object Arrange and take part in (a meeting or conversation)

1An act or manner of grasping something; a grip.

1. 1.1 A particular way of grasping or restraining someone, especially an opponent in wrestling or judo.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Older boys are using wrestling holds to intimidate younger students.
   • He is a master of numerous holds and throws and is a throwback to a time when stories were told in the ring and not on the microphone.
   • Inside the base gymnasium, they practice wrestling holds to prove themselves capable of hand-to-hand combat.
   • For example, wrestling includes many holds, which can easily be performed in such a way that they damage the elbow, shoulder, neck or leg joints.
   • When properly applied, the choke hold causes unconsciousness in 10-20 seconds.
   • Now, I will be the first to tell anyone that there is a lot more to being an announcer than knowing the names of moves and holds.
2. 1.2 A place where one can grip with one's hands or feet while climbing.
   he felt carefully with his feet for a hold and swung himself up

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Placing my hands gingerly upon the first holds and locating the proper foot placement, I commence with my climb.
   • Try to position your hands and feet on the holds in the positions you will want them in for the next move.
   • She walked over to the pillar, and put her foot on one of the holds.
   • When I latched on to this hold and let my feet swing out from the face below, I felt an alarming sense of fatigue in my arms.
   • I started back up and climbed about ten feet higher on tiny little holds.
   • When climbing, our feet should be placed securely in a hold before placing our hands.
   • His fingers scrabbled at the stone and found holds, but not before he dropped a foot; he hung on to the tower with weary fingers and an iron grip.
   • He set his feet firmly apart and reaching forward, gripped the rough holds.
   • I pulled myself up to the next hold and continued up for about five feet.
   • The only holds offered were the handrail on the roof and the small cleat amidships.

2in singular Power or control.

3archaic A fortress.

A large compartment or space in the lower part of a ship or aircraft in which cargo is stowed.