Holdfast

name, noun

name, noun ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Something to or by which an object can be securely fastened.

    "And Ivy divided from the root, we have observed to live some years, by the cirrous parts commonly conceived but as tentacles and holdfasts unto it."

  2. 2
    restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place wordnet
  3. 3
    A root-like structure that anchors aquatic sessile organisms, such as seaweed, other sessile algae, stalked crinoids, benthic cnidarians, and sponges, to the substrate.
  4. 4
    Actinomycosis. archaic
  5. 5
    The aspect of a character that experiences destructive temptation.

    "Alienation: A stage on the downside of the passage wherein the holdfast and the antihero take actions which bring about a disintegration of personality."

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A hamlet and civil parish (served by Longdon, Queenhill and Holdfast Parish Council) in Malvern Hills district, Worcestershire, England (OS grid ref SO853378).

Synonyms

All synonyms
actinomycosisanchorbracebuttonclampfastener

Example

More examples

"And Ivy divided from the root, we have observed to live some years, by the cirrous parts commonly conceived but as tentacles and holdfasts unto it."

Etymology

Deverbal from hold fast.

Related phrases

Holdfast BayHoldfast Bay

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.