Definitions

hold back

VERB

repress

Synonyms

WEAK

bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in hold off inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

hold back

But it is when discussing her team-mates when Beaumont becomes the most emotional, fighting to hold back tears.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

DeArmas, usually so composed, couldn't hold back his tears.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

But asked what they actually wanted, fathers didn’t hold back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

Erick Erickson, the conservative radio host and founder of the RedState political blog, did not hold back.

From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2026

I thought I was even going to cry, something I seldom do, but I managed to hold back.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien