What does hold mean?
Hold is a common English verb with a broad range of related meanings. At its most basic, it means to grasp or support something with the hands, as in holding a cup. It can also mean keeping or possessing something, such as holding a title or a belief, and containing or supporting material, as when a shelf holds books. In more specialized contexts, hold means to arrange an event, maintain a state or position, retain a legal entitlement, or keep a process from progressing. The related noun refers to a grip, a storage area, a ship's cargo space, or a claim or right, as in “a hold on the property.” The word appears constantly in expressions such as take hold, hold on, and on hold, making it especially useful for describing control, possession, capacity, and continuity. Its many meanings are united by the idea of keeping something in a particular position, relationship, or state.
To grasp, support, keep, contain, maintain, or arrange something.
"The shelf can hold several large books."
The precise meaning depends heavily on the object and context: hold a meeting means arrange it, while hold a record means keep it.
A grip or secure grasp; a space for storing something; a ship's compartment for cargo; or a legal claim to something.
"The warehouse has a large hold for seasonal inventory."
The noun is less frequent than the verb, and its meaning varies by context. In legal and financial usage, a hold can mean a temporary restriction or reservation on funds or assets.
The plural is used for separate storage spaces, ship compartments, legal claims, or instances of the noun.
"The ship has three holds for cargo."
From Old English haldan to today's hold, this remarkably durable verb has helped us grasp objects, preserve possessions, and keep promises.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hold
The English word hold comes from Old English haldan, meaning to grasp, keep, or possess. It is related to Old Norse halda and Old High German haltan, reflecting a Germanic origin shared with verbs such as uphold, withhold, and behold. Over time, the word extended from physical grasping to possession, control, support, and the maintenance of a condition or arrangement.
Related word forms
How hold is actually used
The word is extremely versatile and is used in formal and informal contexts. In computing and business, hold often means to reserve, pause, or delay a process, as in placing an application on hold. The expression hold someone's attention means to maintain their focus.
Easily confused with hold
Old means belonging to the past or having existed for a long time, whereas hold means to grasp, keep, or support something.
Whole means complete or undivided, while hold is a verb meaning to grasp, retain, or support something.