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hold

Dictionary definition · hold

noun

  1. the act of grasping"he released his clasp on my arm"
  2. understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something"he has a good grasp of accounting practices"
  3. power by which something or someone is affected or dominated"he has a hold over them"
  4. time during which some action is awaited"instant replay caused too long a delay"
  5. a state of being confined (usually for a short time)"his detention was politically motivated"
  6. a stronghold

verb

  1. cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity"hold in place"
  2. have or hold in one's hands or grip"Hold this bowl for a moment, please"
  3. organize or be responsible for"hold a reception"
  4. have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense"She has $1,000 in the bank"
  5. keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view"take for granted"
  6. maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)"bear a grudge"

Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).