hold back

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.

Italy's World Cup heartbreak was crystallised in the tear-streaked face of coach Rino Gattuso, who struggled to hold back his emotions after the national team's defeat.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

"They're renowned for building dams that hold back the flow of water," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

RSP deputy chairman DP Aryal urged supporters to hold back on celebrations.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

He estimated a hundred middle school parents each year ask him if they should hold back their sons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

I grit my teeth, trying to hold back the anger and missing-Amma feeling and whatever-else feelings that slosh about inside my stomach like Rani's stew.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman