HOLDS - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Noun

a state of being confined (usually for a short time)

Example: his detention was politically motivated; the prisoner is on hold; he is in the custody of police

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Noun

time during which some action is awaited

Example: instant replay caused too long a delay; he ordered a hold in the action

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Noun

the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Noun

the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

Example: he grabbed the hammer by the handle; it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Noun

a cell in a jail or prison

Meaning 6

Part of speech: Noun

a stronghold

Meaning 7

Part of speech: Noun

power by which something or someone is affected or dominated

Example: he has a hold over them

Meaning 8

Part of speech: Noun

understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something

Example: he has a good grasp of accounting practices

Meaning 9

Part of speech: Noun

the act of grasping

Example: he released his clasp on my arm; he has a strong grip for an old man; she kept a firm hold on the railing

Meaning 10

Part of speech: Verb

protect against a challenge or attack

Example: Hold that position behind the trees!; Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks

Meaning 11

Part of speech: Verb

aim, point, or direct

Example: Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames

Meaning 12

Part of speech: Verb

drink alcohol without showing ill effects

Example: He can hold his liquor; he had drunk more than he could carry

Meaning 13

Part of speech: Verb

have or hold in one's hands or grip

Example: Hold this bowl for a moment, please; A crazy idea took hold of him

Meaning 14

Part of speech: Verb

be the physical support of

Example: carry the weight of; The beam holds up the roof; He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam; What's holding that mirror?

Meaning 15

Part of speech: Verb

to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

Example: 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

Meaning 16

Part of speech: Verb

cover as for protection against noise or smell

Example: She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate; hold one's nose

Meaning 17

Part of speech: Verb

support or hold in a certain manner

Example: She holds her head high; He carried himself upright

Meaning 18

Part of speech: Verb

organize or be responsible for

Example: hold a reception; have, throw, or make a party; give a course

Meaning 19

Part of speech: Verb

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

Example: bear a grudge; entertain interesting notions; harbor a resentment

Meaning 20

Part of speech: Verb

cause to stop

Example: Halt the engines; Arrest the progress; halt the presses

Meaning 21

Part of speech: Verb

have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense

Example: She has $1,000 in the bank; He has got two beautiful daughters; She holds a Master's degree from Harvard

Meaning 22

Part of speech: Verb

secure and keep for possible future use or application

Example: The landlord retained the security deposit; I reserve the right to disagree

Meaning 23

Part of speech: Verb

have rightfully

Example: of rights, titles, and offices; She bears the title of Duchess; He held the governorship for almost a decade

Meaning 24

Part of speech: Verb

take and maintain control over, often by violent means

Example: The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week

Meaning 25

Part of speech: Verb

keep from departing

Example: Hold the taxi; Hold the horse

Meaning 26

Part of speech: Verb

arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance

Example: 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

Meaning 27

Part of speech: Verb

lessen the intensity of

Example: temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; moderate your alcohol intake; hold your tongue; hold your temper; control your anger

Meaning 28

Part of speech: Verb

stop dealing with

Example: hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting

Meaning 29

Part of speech: Verb

be valid, applicable, or true

Example: This theory still holds

Meaning 30

Part of speech: Verb

be pertinent or relevant or applicable

Example: The same laws apply to you!; This theory holds for all irrational numbers; The same rules go for everyone

Meaning 31

Part of speech: Verb

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity

Example: e.g., `keep clean; hold in place; She always held herself as a lady; The students keep me on my toes

Meaning 32

Part of speech: Verb

remain in a certain state, position, or condition

Example: The weather held; They held on the road and kept marching

Meaning 33

Part of speech: Verb

contain or hold

Example: have within; The jar carries wine; The canteen holds fresh water; This can contains water

Meaning 34

Part of speech: Verb

be capable of holding or containing

Example: This box won't take all the items; The flask holds one gallon

Meaning 35

Part of speech: Verb

resist or confront with resistance

Example: The politician defied public opinion; The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear; The bridge held

Meaning 36

Part of speech: Verb

have room for

Example: hold without crowding; This hotel can accommodate 250 guests; The theater admits 300 people; The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people

Meaning 37

Part of speech: Verb

have as a major characteristic

Example: The novel holds many surprises; The book holds in store much valuable advise

Meaning 38

Part of speech: Verb

keep from exhaling or expelling

Example: hold your breath

Meaning 39

Part of speech: Verb

remain committed to

Example: I hold to these ideas

Meaning 40

Part of speech: Verb

assert or affirm

Example: Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good

Meaning 41

Part of speech: Verb

keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

Example: take for granted; view as important; hold these truths to be self-evident; I hold him personally responsible

Meaning 42

Part of speech: Verb

hold the attention of

Example: The soprano held the audience; This story held our interest; She can hold an audience spellbound

Meaning 43

Part of speech: Verb

be in accord

Example: be in agreement; 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

Meaning 44

Part of speech: Verb

declare to be

Example: She was declared incompetent; judge held that the defendant was innocent

Meaning 45

Part of speech: Verb

bind by an obligation

Example: cause to be indebted; He's held by a contract; I'll hold you by your promise