hold back

hold back

verb

Definition of HOLD BACK

1

to create difficulty for the work or activity of <the only thing holding Joe back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation>

Synonyms clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

Related Words balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

Antonyms aid, assist, facilitate, help

2

to refrain from openly showing or uttering <held back her tears until she was alone>

Synonyms choke (back), hold back, pocket, repress, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, swallow

Related Words control, govern, manage; bridle, check, curb, quash, quell; bottle up, contain; muffle, squelch

Near Antonyms express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent