English

Alternative forms

• (noun): hold-out, holdout

Verb

hold out ‎(third-person singular simple present holds out, present participle holding out, simple past and past participle held out)

1. Used other than as an idiom: see hold,‎ out.
2. (transitive) To hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward.
   • 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

     I held out my hand, and the horrible, soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it in a moment like a vise. I was so much startled that I struggled to withdraw; but the blind man pulled me close up to him with a single action of his arm.

3. (idiomatic, often with for) To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)

   I am holding out for more money.

   How long has he been holding out?

4. (idiomatic) To survive, endure.

   How long can they hold out without water?

   • 2011 September 2, “Wales 2-1 Montenegro”, in BBC:

     Stevan Jovetic gave Montenegro hope when he unleashed a pile-driver but Wales held out for a much-needed win.

5. (idiomatic, usually with on) To withhold something.

   You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?

6. (transitive) To set something aside or save it for later.

   Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later.

Translations

Noun

hold out ‎(plural hold outs)

1. Alternative spelling of holdout.

See also

• dead-ender
• diehard