hold

a cell in a jail or prison

the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

“he grabbed the hammer by the handle”

“it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip”

the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo

to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

“This holds the local until the express passengers change trains”

“About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade”

“The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center”

“The terrorists held the journalists for ransom”

secure and keep for possible future use or application

“The landlord retained the security deposit”

“I reserve the right to disagree”

“They hold the money”

have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices

“She bears the title of Duchess”

“He held the governorship for almost a decade”

be the physical support of; carry the weight of

“The beam holds up the roof”

“He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam”

“What's holding that mirror?”

contain or hold; have within

“The jar carries wine”

“The canteen holds fresh water”

“This can contains water”

“They hold the animals”

have room for; hold without crowding

“This hotel can accommodate 250 guests”

“The theater admits 300 people”

“The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people”

remain in a certain state, position, or condition

“The weather held”

“They held on the road and kept marching”

support or hold in a certain manner

“She holds her head high”

“He carried himself upright”

be valid, applicable, or true

“This theory still holds”

assert or affirm

“Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good”

“They hold that there was a traffic accident”

have as a major characteristic

“The novel holds many surprises”

“The book holds in store much valuable advise”

be capable of holding or containing

“This box won't take all the items”

“The flask holds one gallon”

arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance

“reserve me a seat on a flight”

“The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family”

“please hold a table at Maxim's”

protect against a challenge or attack

“Hold that position behind the trees!”

“Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks”

bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted

“He's held by a contract”

“I'll hold you by your promise”

hold the attention of

“The soprano held the audience”

“This story held our interest”

“She can hold an audience spellbound”

remain committed to

“I hold to these ideas”

resist or confront with resistance

“The politician defied public opinion”

“The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear”

“The bridge held”

be pertinent or relevant or applicable

“The same laws apply to you!”

“This theory holds for all irrational numbers”

“The same rules go for everyone”

stop dealing with

“hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting”

lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits

“moderate your alcohol intake”

“hold your tongue”

“hold your temper”

“control your anger”

keep from departing

“Hold the taxi”

“Hold the horse”

take and maintain control over, often by violent means

“The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week”

cause to come to an abrupt stop

“Halt the engines”

“Arrest the progress”

“halt the presses”

“They hold the animals”

cover as for protection against noise or smell

“She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate”

“hold one's nose”

drink alcohol without showing ill effects

“He can hold his liquor”

“he had drunk more than he could carry”

aim, point, or direct

“Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames”

declare to be

“She was declared incompetent”

“judge held that the defendant was innocent”

be in accord; be in agreement

“We agreed on the terms of the settlement”

“I can't agree with you!”

“I hold with those who say life is sacred”

“Both philosophers concord on this point”

keep from exhaling or expelling

“hold your breath”