Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To restrain or suppress (an emotion, reaction, or impulse): To prevent a feeling or action from being openly expressed or shown. 2. To contain or enclose within limits: To keep something within a confined space or a restricted scope.

Usage and Examples

• To restrain an emotion or reaction:
  • It was difficult to hold in my laughter during the serious meeting.
  • She managed to hold in her disappointment when she didn't get the promotion.
• To contain or enclose:
  • The dam was built to hold in the massive reservoir of water.
  • He tried to hold in his stomach when the photo was taken.

Advanced Usage

• "Hold in one's temper/anger": To make a conscious effort not to become angry or show anger.
  • Despite the rude comment, he held in his temper and responded politely.
• "Hold in contempt" (Note: This is a fixed legal/phrasal idiom using "hold," not a direct variant of "hold in"): To consider someone or something as unworthy of respect.
  • The court held the witness in contempt for refusing to answer.

Variants and Related Words

• Withhold (verb): To refuse to give or grant something that is due or requested (e.g., ). This shares the sense of restraint but is typically applied to objects or information, not emotions.
• Contain (verb): To have or hold within. This is a close synonym for the "enclose" meaning.
• Suppress (verb): To put an end to something by force, or to prevent the expression of a feeling. This is a strong synonym for the "restrain" meaning.

Synonyms

• Restrain
• Suppress
• Contain
• Control
• Check
• Curb

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hold back: Very similar to "hold in," meaning to hesitate, restrain, or prevent progress.
  • She held back her tears. (restrain emotion)
  • Fear held him back from applying. (prevent action)
• Hold down: To keep at a low level, or to keep a job.
  • The government tried to hold down prices.
• Hold off: To delay or postpone something.
  • Let's hold off making a decision until tomorrow.

Related Idioms

• Bite one's tongue: To stop oneself from saying something to avoid trouble or offense. This is an idiomatic way to express "hold in" a comment or criticism.
  • I had to bite my tongue during the argument.
• Keep a lid on something: To keep something under control, especially emotions or a secret.
  • He struggled to keep a lid on his excitement.

Verb

1. hold back; keep from being perceived by others
   • She conceals her anger well
2. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger
3. close in; darkness enclosed him"