Definitions

hold the fort

ADJECTIVE

unbending

Synonyms

STRONG

crisp firm obstinate reserved

WEAK

aloof distant do-or-die dug in formal hard as nails hard-line hold one's ground hold the line incompliant inelastic inexorable inflexible intractable locked-in obdurate relentless resolute set in stone severe single-minded standing one's ground standing pat sticking to one's guns stiff strict stubborn uncompromising unflexible unrelenting unswayable unyielding uptight

Antonyms

STRONG

flexible soft yielding

WEAK

bending pliable pliant relaxed

VERB

hold the line

Synonyms

WEAK

block check hang on hinder keep at bay obstruct stop

VERB

remain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue endure go on hover last linger live persist prevail stand stop survive wait

STRONG

abide bide bivouac bunk cling delay dwell freeze halt hang inhabit lodge nest outlast outlive pause perch reside rest roost sojourn squat tarry visit

WEAK

be left hang out hold over keep on make camp put on hold remain standing sit out sit through sit tight stay behind stay in stay over stay put stick around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease die discontinue go leave lie

STRONG

carry on depart hurry move

WEAK

forge

VERB

stay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue delay hang last linger remain reside settle stand stick around stop

STRONG

abide bide bunk dally endure halt hover lag loiter nest outstay pause perch procrastinate reprieve respite roost sojourn squat sweat tarry

WEAK

establish oneself hang about hang around hang in hang out put down roots sit tight stay out stay put sweat it out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance depart go hurry leave move rush

STRONG

carry on complete finish push

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“If we don’t hold the fort down, there will be nothing to come back to,” Hearring said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025

"And is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside."

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

Could he hold the fort while a wider search goes on?

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2024

“We’ve got to hold the fort down until he’s ready.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2022

They are leaving tomorrow to go to Belgium, and we’re going back to Kilanga to hold the fort until another family can come.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

hold the fort

Example Sentences

Related Words