holds off

VERB

repress

Synonyms

WEAK

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

Antonyms

WEAK

let go reveal

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.

See Examples For:

holds off

Trump formally accepted Xi’s invitation to visit Beijing in April, which could mean the U.S. holds off on sectoral tariffs related to semiconductors that could rattle that relationship.

From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 2025

JuJu Watkins finishes with 25 points as USC holds off a second-half surge by No. 4 UConn to earn its biggest win of the young season in a 72-70 victory.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2024

An old-fashioned rap war that unfolded online at lightning speed has sent Kendrick Lamar to No. 1 on Billboard’s latest singles chart, while Taylor Swift easily holds off a challenge from Dua Lipa’s new album.

From New York Times ● May 13, 2024

She breaks into the left hand side of the box, holds off a defender and shoots.

From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2024

The country squire, educated and intelligent, but retiring and truth-loving, retreats naturally from contest with a bold, abusive, and unscrupulous demagogue; even the party he serves, holds off from contact and communion with him.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 54, No. 335, September 1843 by Various