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Showing results for hold back. Search instead for holzbank.
Definitions

hold back

VERB
repress
Synonyms
WEAK
bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in hold off inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold

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.

As ice shelves become thinner and weaker, they lose some of their ability to hold back the glaciers behind them.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

In comparison, Mandava's look seemed to hold back.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

“It kind of siphoned all of that pent-up, closeted stuff that you hold back, that you couldn’t freely express,” she said.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Some think that potential buyers of baseball clubs may hold back since the current contract between owners and the players union expires at the end of this season.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

If she were trying to earn Minya’s praise, she wouldn’t hold back, but would use Hayva’s tenderness and grief against her.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor