Hold back
verb
To stop yourself from showing or doing something.
She couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
Often appears as...
- hold back tears
- hold back laughter
verb
To not do something you could or would like to do.
He decided to hold back and not voice his opinion at the meeting.
Often appears as...
- hold back comments
- hold back thoughts
verb
To cause to stop or delay.
Bad weather is holding back our construction schedule.
Often appears as...
- hold back progress
- hold back schedule
verb
To keep back; to provide less than full effort or resources.
Despite the team's struggling performance, the coach was accused of holding back his best players.
Often appears as...
- hold back resources
- hold back players
verb
To stop yourself from showing or doing something.
She couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
Often appears as...
- hold back tears
- hold back laughter
verb
To not do something you could or would like to do.
He decided to hold back and not voice his opinion at the meeting.
Often appears as...
- hold back comments
- hold back thoughts
verb
To cause to stop or delay.
Bad weather is holding back our construction schedule.
Often appears as...
- hold back progress
- hold back schedule
verb
To keep back; to provide less than full effort or resources.
Despite the team's struggling performance, the coach was accused of holding back his best players.
Often appears as...
- hold back resources
- hold back players
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Context
Used when someone is trying hard not to show strong feelings or emotions.
During the farewell, he had to hold back his tears.
Pro Tip 2/2Moment of Release
Points to a moment when a person finally allows their hidden feelings to show.
After the verdict, she couldn't hold back her joy.
Never forget "Hold back"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension