hold-down

1 of 2

noun

ˈhōl(d)-ˌdau̇n 

1

: something used to fasten an object in place

2

a

: an act of holding down

b

: limit

agreed to wage-rate hold-downs

hold down

2 of 2

verb

held down; holding down; holds down

transitive verb

1

: to keep within limits

hold the noise down

2

: to assume or have responsibility for

holding down two jobs

Synonyms of hold-down

Verb

• limit
• restrict
• tighten

Examples of hold-down in a Sentence

Verb

efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other modifications include a one-piece floor, improved hold-down handles and reduced bulk, Steber said. — Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Inside, hold-down straps, water-resistant storage, and multiple accessory pockets add to its organized feel. — Julie Loffredi, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Verb

When a big customer pays its full share, the cost of running the grid is spread across more users, and that can help hold down everyone’s rates. — Mark McNees, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Roth was born in Denver, graduated with a psychology degree from the University of Colorado Denver, and held down jobs managing, serving and bartending. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hold-down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown