280 Another Word for Hold? - Hold Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say hold differently? Here are other words for hold and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.

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Meaning of hold

The primary meaning of the word "hold" is to grasp or grip something, or to maintain or retain something in a particular state or position.

Etymology of hold

The word "hold" originates from Old English "haldan", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "haldiz", and is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "kel-", which meant "to hold" or "to grasp".
The word "hold" has been used in the English language since the 9th century, and has evolved to encompass a range of meanings, including physical grasping, maintaining or retaining something, and restraining or restricting someone or something.

Synonyms

grasp grip clasp clutch seize capture detain retain keep possess contain maintain sustain support uphold bear carry lift raise cradle nestle snuggle embrace envelop enfold enclose confine restrain restrict limit curb check halt stop pause delay defer postpone suspend cling adhere stick adhere to cleave to hold on to hold fast to hold tight to cling to grasp at seize on latch on to catch snag hook entrap ensnare net trap ambush waylay apprehend arrest take get acquire obtain procure secure fasten fix anchor moor tie bind fetter shackle chain manacle handcuff grip tight grip firmly grasp firmly clasp tightly clutch tightly seize firmly capture tightly hold firmly keep firmly possess firmly contain firmly maintain firmly sustain firmly support firmly uphold firmly bear firmly carry firmly lift firmly raise firmly cradle firmly nestle firmly snuggle firmly embrace firmly envelop firmly enfold firmly enclose firmly confine firmly restrain firmly restrict firmly limit firmly curb firmly check firmly halt firmly stop firmly pause firmly delay firmly defer firmly postpone firmly suspend firmly

Definitions

To grasp or grip something firmly, typically with one's hands
To maintain or retain something in a particular state or position
To keep or retain something, such as a possession or a feeling
To support or sustain something, such as a weight or a responsibility
To restrain or restrict someone or something, such as a person or an animal

Usage Examples

She held the baby in her arms and rocked it gently to sleep.
The company will hold a meeting to discuss the new marketing strategy.
The government will hold elections next year to choose a new leader.
The athlete held the record for the fastest time in the 100-meter dash.
The teacher held the student's attention with a fascinating story.

Antonyms

release let go drop abandon relinquish surrender yield give up forsake desert leave depart quit stop cease discontinue terminate end finish conclude abandon reject refuse decline spurn dismiss ignore neglect overlook omit exclude except free liberate emancipate unshackle unfetter unchain unbind untie unfasten loosen relax ease slacken weaken diminish reduce decrease minimize mitigate moderate temper soften calm soothe gentle pacify appease placate mollify assuage allay alleviate relieve comfort console solace succor support sustain maintain uphold bear carry lift raise cradle nestle snuggle embrace envelop enfold enclose confine restrain restrict limit curb check halt stop pause delay defer postpone suspend