Hold off
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To prevent someone or something from advancing or succeeding
Example sentence
The team held off their opponents in the final minutes.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
hold off the attackers
hold off the competition
hold off an invasion
hold off the enemy
hold off the police
hold off the pressure
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
They held off the attackers. ✅ (Correct)
They held the attackers off. ✅ (Correct)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To delay or postpone doing something
Example sentence
Let’s hold off making a decision until tomorrow.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
hold off making a decision
hold off the meeting
hold off the vote
hold off negotiations
hold off signing the contract
hold off the launch
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
They held off the attackers. ✅ (Correct)
They held the attackers off. ✅ (Correct)