hold off

verb

held off; holding off; holds off

transitive verb

1
: to block from an objective : delay
2
: to defer action on : postpone
hold off a decision
3
: to fight to a standoff : withstand

intransitive verb

: to defer or temporarily stop doing something

Examples of hold off in a Sentence

we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matt Strahm gave up two consecutive singles but induced a double play and a groundout to hold off the Marlins. Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025 Lap 127: Kyle Larson dominated the back half of the opening stage and held off Denny Hamlin at the end. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025 McFadden held off on implementing his order for a week, giving the government time to respond or appeal. David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2025 His announcement comes as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., threatened a lawsuit against Abbott last week, alleging that Abbott was holding off on calling a special election date, according to NBC News. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold off

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold off was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hold off

verb
1
: to keep away : withstand
held off the attack
2
: postpone, delay
decided to hold off on the decision
will hold off production for the summer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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