Hold back — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb

Meaning & Definition of Hold back

Hold back (verb)

  1. to hinder the progress or achievement of, restrain
  2. to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
  3. to refrain from revealing or parting with

Hold back (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation"

    similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

  2. to refrain from openly showing or uttering

    "held back her tears until she was alone"

    similar: choke (back), pocket, repress, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, suppress, swallow
    related: control, govern, manage, bridle, check, curb, quash, quell, bottle up, contain, muffle, squelch
    near: express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hold back

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hold back:

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, choke (back), pocket, repress, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, suppress, swallow, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hold back

Words with the opposite meaning of Hold back:

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words for Hold back

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart

Near Antonyms of Hold back

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote, express, loose, take out, unleash, vent

Word Forms of Hold back

Inflections: held back, holding back, holds back

Origin & Etymology of Hold back

First known use: 1535t

Words & Phrases Containing Hold back

hold back one's tears

Frequently Asked Questions about Hold back

What does "Hold back" mean?

"Hold back" means to hinder the progress or achievement of, restrain. As a verb, it is defined as: to hinder the progress or achievement of, restrain. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hold back"?

Other words for "Hold back" include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff and handicap. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hold back" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hold back"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hold back". Common alternatives include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder and hobble.

What is the opposite of "Hold back"?

Antonyms of "Hold back" include aid, assist, facilitate and help. Near antonyms include clear, make way, open and unclog.

How do you use "Hold back" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hold back" in a sentence: "the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation"; "held back her tears until she was alone".

Is "Hold back" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hold back" is a verb.

What is the origin of the word "Hold back"?

First known use: 1535t.

What is another word for "Hold back" meaning "to create difficulty for the work or activity of"?

When "Hold back" (verb) means to create difficulty for the work or activity of, synonyms include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter and hamper. Opposites in this sense include aid, assist, facilitate and help.