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Hold back

verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power. idiomatic, intransitive

    "Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can."

  2. 2
    prevent the action or expression of wordnet
  3. 3
    To contain; stop. idiomatic, transitive

    "The dam can't hold back that much water."

  4. 4
    hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of wordnet
  5. 5
    To delay the progress of, especially in school. idiomatic, transitive

    "He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade."

Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    hold back; keep from being perceived by others wordnet
  2. 7
    secure and keep for possible future use or application wordnet
  3. 8
    wait before acting wordnet
  4. 9
    refrain from doing wordnet

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