Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To support physically and prevent from falling: To bear the weight of something; to keep something in an elevated or upright position.
   • To delay or cause to stop: To make someone or something late or cause a pause in progress.
   • To rob using threats or force: To steal from someone or something (e.g., a bank) by using a weapon or intimidation.
   • To present as an example: To show or offer something for others to see, often for admiration or scrutiny.
   • To endure, withstand, or remain strong: To resist wear, damage, criticism, or difficult conditions over time.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To remain strong or intact; to endure: To continue to function or be valid despite pressure or challenges.
   • To remain convincing or valid (often used negatively as "hold water"): For an idea, argument, or story to be logical and defensible.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Transitive):

  • The old pillars hold up the entire porch. (Physically support)
  • An accident on the highway held up traffic for hours. (Delayed)
  • Masked men tried to hold up the bank. (Rob)
  • The teacher held up the excellent essay as a model for the class. (Present as an example)
  • These boots have held up well through many winters. (Withstood wear)

• Verb (Intransitive):

  • How is your knee holding up after the surgery? (Enduring, remaining strong)
  • His alibi doesn't hold up under police questioning. (Remain valid/convincing)

Advanced Usage

• "Hold up under scrutiny/pressure": To remain valid or intact when examined closely or stressed.
  • The new evidence will hold up under judicial scrutiny.
• "Hold up one's end (of the bargain)": To fulfill one's part of an agreement or responsibility.
  • I held up my end, but my partner didn't complete his tasks.

Variants and Related Words

• Hold-up (noun): A delay or a robbery conducted by threat of force.
  • We experienced a hold-up on the train tracks. (Delay)
  • There was a bank hold-up downtown. (Robbery)
• Uphold (verb): To maintain or support a principle, law, or decision.
  • The court upheld the ruling.

Synonyms

• Support, bear, sustain (for physical support).
• Delay, detain, hinder (for causing a stop).
• Rob, stick up (informal) (for stealing by threat).
• Withstand, endure, survive (for remaining strong).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hold out: To last, to endure; to offer; to resist.
  • Our supplies should hold out for another week.
• Hold off: To delay, to keep at a distance.
  • Let's hold off making a decision until tomorrow.
• Hold on: To wait; to grip tightly.
  • Hold on a minute, I'll be right back.

Related Idioms

• Hold your head up (high): To be confident and unashamed, especially after a setback.
  • Even though he lost, he can hold his head up knowing he did his best.
• Hold up one's hands: To admit responsibility or guilt.
  • When the mistake was discovered, he held up his hands and apologized.

Verb

1. resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.
   • Her shoes won't hold up
   • This theory won't hold water
2. resist or confront with resistance
   • The politician defied public opinion
   • The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
   • The bridge held
3. continue to live through hardship or adversity
   • We went without water and food for 3 days
   • These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
   • The race car driver lived through several very serious accidents
   • how long can a person last without food and water?
4. rob at gunpoint or by means of some other threat
5. cause to be slowed down or delayed
   • Traffic was delayed by the bad weather
   • she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform
6. hold up something as an example; hold up one's achievements for admiration
7. be the physical support of; carry the weight of
   • The beam holds up the roof
   • He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
   • What's holding that mirror?