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.

“This mosque for my community members is a second home,” Hassane said, pausing to hold back tears.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Traditionally, logs made of coir - coconut husk - have been imported from South-East Asia to reduce erosion, hold back water and also re-wet degraded peatland.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

MarketWatch: Investors once again are faced with a decision to either chase the stock-market rally or hold back.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

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

“Something is wrong with me,” I said, trying to hold back my tears.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez