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

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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.
MacKinnon remained stuck on 102 points after being held off the scoresheet by the Calgary Flames on Friday. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 In the other match on the league’s opening night, the Washington Spirit held off the Houston Dash 2-1. — Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 President Trump has held off on enforcing the ban, but a sale deadline is approaching on April 5. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025 Georgia Tech 66, Virginia 60 Georgia Tech held off Virginia in the opening game of Day 2. — Steve Wiseman, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 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

Rhymes for hold off

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Browse Nearby Words

hold off
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Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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