Hold out

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Alternative spelling of holdout. alt-of, alternative
Verb
  1. 1
    To hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward. literally, transitive

    "He held out his hand, and I grabbed it."

  2. 2
    thrust or extend out wordnet
  3. 3
    To offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.) figuratively

    "The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made."

  4. 4
    stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something wordnet
  5. 5
    To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.) idiomatic, often

    "I am holding out for more money."

Show 6 more definitions
  1. 6
    continue to live and avoid dying wordnet
  2. 7
    To survive, endure. idiomatic

    "How long can they hold out without water?"

  3. 8
    wait uncompromisingly for something desirable wordnet
  4. 9
    To withhold something. idiomatic, usually, with-on

    "You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?"

  5. 10
    last and be usable wordnet
  6. 11
    To set aside something or save it for later. transitive

    "Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From hold and out.

Etymology 2

From hold and out.

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