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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Blazers, in their first game since firing coach Trent Dilfer, held off a late surge by the Tigers for a 31-24 victory. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Houston had pulled a gun on Ramos, but the friend convinced him to hold off and was speaking with him on the patio when Houston saw police approaching. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025 How to Watch Old Dominion at James Madison James Madison took the lead for the first time early in the fourth quarter and held off visiting Louisiana last week for a 24-14 victory. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 Heavy defensive traffic and quality play from Boyer held off a few dangerous balls in front, with Schneider threatening on many of them. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold off

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold off was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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