holdup

noun

hold·up | \ ˈhōld-ˌəp

Definition of holdup

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : delay

2 : a robbery carried out at gunpoint

hold up

verb

Definition of hold up (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to rob at gunpoint

2 : delay, impede

3 : to call attention to : single out his work was held up to ridicule hold this up as perfection — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

intransitive verb

: to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force she's holding up under the strain music that holds up twenty years later

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about holdup

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Examples of holdup in a Sentence

Noun

There have been a series of holdups at local banks. a holdup in construction due to the weather

Verb

held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address traffic was held up for miles by the accident

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The biggest holdup to direct action on climate is showing that preventing these changes would be cheaper than enduring them (after factoring in scientific uncertainty). — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "Climate Change Is Affordable," 27 Nov. 2018 Deputies were dispatched to the Forestdale Boulevard store on a report of a holdup. — Carol Robinson, AL.com, "2 ex-cons arrested after botched theft, assault at Family Dollar," 30 Jan. 2018 While both chambers have already approved their own takes on the bill, the main holdup continues to be disagreements between the House and the Senate over just how strong to make certain provisions. — Li Zhou, Vox, "Congress seemed determined to tackle its sexual harassment problem. But, the bill is still stalled.," 6 Dec. 2018 Michael Ingram, 30, formerly of Dalewood Parkway in Woodridge, was sentenced Thursday by Judge Liam Brennan for his role in the Oct. 2, 2014, holdup of a gas station on Ogden Avenue in Westmont. — Clifford Ward, chicagotribune.com, "Woodridge man gets 23 years in prison for armed robbery of Westmont gas station," 29 June 2018 Perrette won't spoil the character's fate: Abby was seen hospitalized, and in imminent peril, after being shot in a street holdup last week. — Bill Keveney, USA TODAY, "Pauley Perrette says fans will need 'a couple boxes of tissues' for Abby's 'NCIS' exit," 7 May 2018 One man convicted in a 2016 holdup of the store has pleaded guilty to robbing five other shops, including other 7-Eleven stores. — Peter Hermann, Washington Post, "This 7-Eleven has been robbed six times in four months. But residents see hope in neighborhood revitalization efforts.," 4 May 2018 For the delivery business, the biggest holdup is that the machines must remain within sight of the operator at all times. — Joseph Pisani, The Seattle Times, "Where are the drone deliveries? Amazon’s customers are still waiting," 3 Dec. 2018 On Monday, Cobb was sentenced to 18 years in prison in Waco for aggravated robbery in the holdup of a Baylor student at gunpoint. — Mac Engel, star-telegram, "Former Baylor signee, who finished at OU, sentenced to 18 years in prison," 5 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Some investors, though, are dubious the January trend will hold up this year. — Jessica Menton, WSJ, "Signs Point to Strong January for Stocks," 7 Jan. 2019 That’s not a problem with the Wolf and Grizzly portable grill ($89), a lightweight, stainless steel grill that packs down small and holds up to cooking. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The ultimate van life shopping guide," 14 Nov. 2018 Each backpack can be ordered with up to four reservoirs — and each reservoir holds up to 15 pounds of water or 21 pounds of sand. — Terry Gardner, latimes.com, "This travel gear does double duty as workout gear," 29 June 2018 Any player with passable defensive utility imposes limitations on the other end of the floor; those with enough offensive talent seldom hold up on defense. — Ben Ladner, SI.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Preview: Will LeBron James Stay or Go?," 10 June 2018 A few of these early titles, like Jumping Flash, manage to hold up thanks to strong, brightly colored character design and deliberate pacing. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, "PlayStation Classic review: A far-from-classic experience," 27 Nov. 2018 Devastating flooding in North Carolina in the aftermath of Florence has raised concerns whether dams across the state, some of them in poor condition, will be able to hold up under the strain. — Sarah Rankin, Fox News, "Florence flooding puts dams, many high hazard, to the test," 17 Sep. 2018 The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Chinese officials, said Beijing was considering holding up licenses for U.S. companies, delaying approvals of mergers and increasing border inspections of U.S. goods. — Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, "Will Hollywood Get Caught in Trump's China Trade War Crossfire?," 13 July 2018 European leaders, meanwhile, will be able to hold up the unfolding crisis as a cautionary tale for those thinking of following suit. — Ian Bremmer, Time, "The United Kingdom’s ‘Brexit Dream’ has Become a Waking Nightmare," 12 July 2018

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