hold back

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.

They were now downstream of the dam, but what they hadn’t realized was that it would hold back the seasonal floods that had once ensured yearly prosperity in the Lower Volta.

From Literature

As her kids struggle to hold back their reactions, lest she swing back the other way, her husband just wants to go to Red Robin for his birthday scoop.

From Los Angeles Times

Manufacturing in November fell 1.3% from the month before, dented by weakness in a sharp drop in output of motor vehicles and parts as a global semiconductor shortage held back auto production.

From The Wall Street Journal

The agile robot dog springs up on all fours, takes a step forward and charges at the tense crowd at a Tokyo exhibit, held back by a simple yet strong metal chain.

From Barron's

Why did Canada hold back four athletes from competing?

From Los Angeles Times