hold out

hold out

verb

Definition of HOLD OUT

intransitive verb

1

: to remain unsubdued or unyielding <where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out — Anna Tomforde>; also : to continue to function or be available : last <prayed that the engine would hold out> <as long as our money holds out>

2

: to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement <holding out for a shorter workweek>

transitive verb

1

: to present as something realizable : proffer

2

: to represent to be

— hold out on

: to withhold something (as information) from

Examples of HOLD OUT

1. <we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored>
2. <luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore>

First Known Use of HOLD OUT

circa 1556

Related to HOLD OUT

Synonyms: hold up, keep up, last, prevail, survive

Antonyms: fail, fizzle, give out, go out, peter (out), run out

Related Words: bear up, carry on, cope, endure, fare, get along, get by, get on, go, hang in, make out, manage, persevere; abide, continue, draw out, hang on, hold on, linger, persist, remain, run on, stretch

Near Antonyms: break, break down, collapse, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, expire, stall, stop; run down, wane

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