hold off

verb

held off; holding off; holds off
Synonyms of hold offnext

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

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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.
Hauss Hejny accounted for five touchdowns — three passing and two rushing — and Colorado State snapped a four-game losing streak, holding off San Diego State 56-49 on Saturday night. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Markets expect the Fed to hold off on a rate hike in October but then to institute another quarter percentage point increase in December. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, did not explicitly say that the governor should hold off on commuting sentences, but urged him to consider the parents who had to bury their children before making the decision. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Christian McCaffrey ran for two scores and the 49ers made two late stops to hold off the Washington Commanders 23-17 on Monday night for their sixth straight win to open the season. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for hold off

See All Rhymes for hold off

Browse Nearby Words

hold no terror(s)
hold off
hold off on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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