VERB
- stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
-
continue to live and avoid dying
One crash victim died, the other lived
The race car driver lived through several very serious accidents
We went without water and food for 3 days
how long can a person last without food and water?
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America -
wait uncompromisingly for something desirable
He held out for the dessert and did not touch the cheeses -
thrust or extend out
point a finger
extend a hand
the bee exserted its sting
He held out his hand -
last and be usable
This dress wore well for almost ten years
How To Use hold out In A Sentence
- My unmarried survey respondents seem to understand that friendship is the basis of a good marriage even as they hold out for chemistry and thunderbolts and soulmates.
- The pressure has now reached such a pitch that White can no longer hold out in the centre, but must declare his intentions. Times, Sunday Times
- The doctors did not hold out much hope for her recovery.
- The pair maintained their concentration and composure throughout the various interruptions for drizzle and bad light to hold out. The Sun
- I can't hold out ( ie retain my urine ) much longer; I must find a toilet.
- It appears that the charismatic Parker's first contribution is to hypnotise Zuckerberg, his second to marginalise Saverin, his third to hold out the prospect of big hedge-fund money, and the fourth to suggest shortening the title to "Facebook". The Social Network – review
- Few people hold out any hope of finding more survivors.
- Scotland will need industrious and intelligent defensive work to hold out against these giants. Times, Sunday Times
- “We thought about erecting a few more buildings, adding more space for berthing and labs, but we decided we could hold out until it was time to move.” Star Trek: Typhon Pact Paths of Disharmony
- With the imperial household out of the way, the Senate enfeebled by dissension and apathy, the civil service terror-stricken, and the military under flabby command, the throne seemed well within Faustinus's grasp.