hold off

verb

held off; holding off; holds 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

Synonyms of hold off

• postpone
• delay
• defer
• put over

Examples of hold off in a Sentence

we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along

Recent Examples on the Web

That might be a bit too long to hold off, as Lombard has typically required an adjustment period offensively when promoted to a new level in the minors. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

But at the 2025 world championships, Lyles won his fourth consecutive world gold in the 200 by holding off Bednarek down the stretch. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 25 July 2026

With 36 holes to play, Michael Kim will have to hold off Scheffler and a slew of other players who are within striking distance of the lead. — Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The states were due to file their injunction motion on Thursday night, but held off as the two sides held discussions on a path forward. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for hold off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

hold off

verb

1

: to keep away : withstand

held off the attack

2

: postpone, delay

decided to hold off on the decision

will hold off production for the summer