hold off

verb

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of hold off

transitive verb

1 : to block from an objective : delay

2 : to defer action on : postpone

hold off a decision

3 : to fight to a standoff : withstand

intransitive verb

: to defer or temporarily stop doing something

See hold off defined for kids

Recent Examples of hold off from the Web

That’s the take on the Interwebs the morning after holding off the charge of Rickie Fowler and several contenders to win his first major championship.

— george diaz, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Patrick Reed Masters dysfunctional family drama not out of bounds," 9 Apr. 2018
The New Orleans Baby Cakes scored five times in the first inning Monday afternoon (April 9) and held off the Nashville Sounds 7-4 for their fourth consecutive victory.

— NOLA.com, "Baby Cakes go on early hot streak, win fourth consecutive game," 9 Apr. 2018
With 5:36 left, Haspert picked up a yellow card, but the defense, led by Kaitlyn Huber, Maggie Bornyek, Kelsey Morrison and Summer Morrison, held off the Bobcats just enough for the win.

— katherine dunn, baltimoresun.com, "No. 7 Century rebounds from earlier loss to edge No. 2 Bel Air, 8-7, in girls lacrosse," 8 Apr. 2018
Towns had 21 points and 20 rebounds, Crawford scored 24 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Dallas Mavericks 93-92 on Friday night to gain ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

— dave jackson, star-telegram, "Timberwolves' one-two punch knocks out Mavs in close decision | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 30 Mar. 2018
In the lower panel, Christ’s extended right arm holds off Mary Magdalene, while his left hand pulls his garment away from her grasping hands—together, creating almost magnetic fields of attraction and separation.

— e.a. carmean jr., WSJ, "Witnesses of the Risen Christ," 30 Mar. 2018
Michigan then followed the lead of defenseman Quinn Hughes in holding off the Huskies.

— frank dell’apa, BostonGlobe.com, "Northeastern comes up short against Michigan," 24 Mar. 2018
Dwight Howard had 23 rebounds and 18 points to cap an eventful four days and the Charlotte Hornets held off the Dallas Mavericks 102-98 on Saturday night for their third straight victory.

— charlotteobserver, "What a week. Dwight Howard owns the glass as the Hornets extend a win streak. | Charlotte Observer," 24 Mar. 2018
If Rauner holds off Ives in the primary, the ensuing general election campaign against Pritzker is expected to be the most expensive in U.S. history.

— samuel chamberlain, Fox News, "Illinois GOP Gov. Rauner in close primary race, Pritzker wins Democratic nomination," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hold off.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.