SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

hold on

verb

Definition of hold on

intransitive verb

1 a :to maintain a condition or position :persist

b :to maintain a grasp on something :hang on

2 :to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested; broadly :wait

— hold on to

:to maintain possession of or adherence to

See hold on defined for kids

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
hold on a minute—it's not your turn

First Known Use of hold on

13th century

hold on Synonyms

Synonyms

abide, bide, endure, continue, hold up, keep up, last, perdure, persist, remain, run on

Antonyms

cease, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, lapse, leave off, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up

Related Words

linger, stay, stick around, tarry; carry through, prevail, survive

Near Antonyms

abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane

Learn More about hold on

See words that rhyme with hold on Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hold on Nglish: Translation of hold on for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hold on for Arabic speakers

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Examples: hold on in a Sentence