hold-up
|hold-up|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈhoʊldˌʌp/
🇬🇧
/ˈhəʊldˌʌp/
delay or robbery
Etymology
Etymology Information
'hold-up' originates from the combination of 'hold' and 'up', where 'hold' meant 'to keep' and 'up' indicated 'in place'.
Historical Evolution
'hold-up' changed from the Old English word 'healdan' (to hold) and eventually became the modern English word 'hold-up'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to keep something in place', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'delay' and 'robbery'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a delay or obstruction in progress.
The traffic hold-up made me late for work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
an armed robbery, especially in a public place.
The bank was the target of a hold-up last night.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/06 02:31