Hold Out (Verb)
Meaning 1
Continue to live and avoid dying; "We went without water and food for 3 days"; "These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America"; "The race car driver lived through several very serious accidents"; "how long can a person last without food and water?" "One crash victim died, the other lived".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
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Meaning 2
Stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something.
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The small nation was determined to hold out against the invasion.
- She was the only one who would hold out against her boss's unreasonable demands.
- The protesters vowed to hold out until their requests were met.
- The defenders of the fort managed to hold out for several months despite being heavily outnumbered.
- In the face of bullying, the courageous teenager continued to hold out and refuse to back down.
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Meaning 3
Thrust or extend out; "He held out his hand"; "point a finger"; "extend a hand"; "the bee exserted its sting".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
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Meaning 4
Wait uncompromisingly for something desirable; "He held out for the dessert and did not touch the cheeses".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- She refused to make a decision until the company agreed to meet her salary requirements, determined to hold out for the best offer.
- The striking workers decided to hold out for better working conditions, rather than accepting the existing deal.
- He held out for the latest version of the phone, unwilling to settle for an older model.
- She held out for a full scholarship, and after months of waiting, the university finally agreed to her terms.
- After being disappointed by several restaurants, they decided to hold out for a table at the top-rated bistro, even if it meant waiting a little longer.
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Meaning 5
Last and be usable; "This dress wore well for almost ten years".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- These shoes held out for years despite being worn almost daily.
- The old car's engine still held out even after 200,000 miles.
- Her grandmother's quilt held out remarkably well after years of use.
- The spare tire held out until they could make it to the nearest town.
- The pair of jeans surprisingly held out for over a decade without needing to be replaced.