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.
Although UCLA’s offense turned in a strong performance, its defense struggled to hold back a Purdue team that lost its 19th consecutive conference game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026
New dams and debris basins turned the vast natural waterways and springs and creeks of old L.A. into a chutes-and-ladders system to divert and hold back water and mud, before the next time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
"This shouldn't have happened," the boyfriend of one of the killed teachers told reporters, clearly distressed and trying to hold back tears.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
But the brewing storm over the reversal and the halftime show caused him to hold back.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
“Something is wrong with me,” I said, trying to hold back my tears.
From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez
