Langimage
English

hold

|hold|

A2

🇺🇸

/hoʊld/

🇬🇧

/həʊld/

to keep or grasp

Etymology
Etymology Information

'hold' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'healdan,' where 'heald-' meant 'to keep or guard.'

Historical Evolution

'healdan' transformed into the Middle English word 'holden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hold.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to keep or guard,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to grasp or maintain.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a grip or grasp on something.

He lost his hold on the rope.

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Noun 2

a place of confinement or storage.

The ship's hold was full of cargo.

Synonyms

storagecompartment

Verb 1

to have or keep in one's grasp.

She holds the baby in her arms.

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Antonyms

Verb 2

to maintain or keep in a particular position.

Hold the door open for me, please.

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Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35