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