Kevin
March 5, 2021
Common Questions
Do you know the definition of hold off is? Maybe you have seen this word in a crossword puzzle. This guide will give you all of the info you need on the phrase hold off, including its definitions, etymology, synonyms, sentence examples, and more!
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According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the phrase; verb hold off has a few different definitions. The first definition is a transitive verb meaning to delay or block something from some objective. The second meaning is also a transitive verb meaning to defer some action or postpone something from happening. The third transitive verb meaning is to fight or withstand something. The term hold off can also be used as an intransitive verb to mean to defer, or temporarily stop doing something. This is a very common phrase and is commonly seen in many sentences of people telling others to stop. Other forms of the verb include held off, holding off, and holds off. Hold off is a verb, where a hold off would be a noun.
According to Etymonline, the term hold off has been used as an intransitive verb since the 1600s, and as a transitive verb since the early 15th century.
The term hold off can be used in many different ways. It is considered a polite term, so it is perfectly acceptable for use in more professional or formal settings. In this first example, Sadie is talking to her boss about all of the tasks that she plans to do today.
Sadie: I have to generate those reports and get them into legal, I also have to submit your August expenses and book the cars for your trip next week.
Boss: Great. Get started on the reports and the cars, but hold off on the August expenses. I have to go through those and figure out if there are any I can cut before you turn them in. Could you print out that you have and put it on my desk for review?
Sadie: For sure!
In this next example, Sadie will use the term hold off in a different context, also with her boss.
Sadie: Um, ma’am?
Boss: Yes?
Sadie: Your 3:30PM meeting is here and wants to get started.
Boss: It’s only 3:15.
Sadie: Yes, I know. They are very… forceful.
Boss: Alright. Hold them off for five minutes while I collect all the materials. Get them water, coffee, whatever drink takes the longest.
Sadie: Copy that! On it!
In this final example, Sadie will use the term hold off in yet another different context, this time with her coworker Marissa.
Sadie: Marissa! How did your date go? That guy seemed awesome!
Marissa: Yeah, he was really nice.
Sadie: Are you going to go out with him again? Are you going to text him?
Marissa: I think I’m going to hold off. Honestly, I really liked him but he just didn’t seem that into me. It was kind of a bummer.
Since the term hold off has four different definitions, this means that it will have four different sets of synonyms. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing as a given word or phrase. All of these different collections of synonyms are from Thesaurus.
First, the phrase hold off can mean to block something from some objective. All of the below are synonyms for this definition:
Next, the word hold off can mean to defer some certain action to a later date. All of the below words and phrases are synonyms for this definition.
Next, the term hold off can mean to fight to a death or end. The below are all synonyms for this definition of the term hold off.
Finally, the term hold off can mean to temporarily stop doing something. This final set of synonyms can be used in place of this definition.
Overall, the term hold off has four various definitions that all relate to the idea of stopping, resisting, or delaying. First, the term hold off can mean to block someone or something from an objective. Next, it can mean to defer some action. Third, it can mean to fight to a death or stand off, and lastly, it can mean to defer or stop doing something temporarily. This phrasal verb is very versatile and can be used in many different ways.
