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

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

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

These hold-down test-firings are typically one of the final milestones in a Starship launch campaign before SpaceX moves the rocket to the launch pad. —ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025

Verb

Perdue has lived a double life—having access to immense privilege and money from two business empires, while holding down a regular job and living frugally. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

Yesavage will be tasked with holding down a Dodgers lineup that is littered with All-Stars and MVP winners. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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