Meaning of hold up in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Verb

    hold up

    Definitions

    1. be the physical support of

    Examples

    • « carry the weight of »
    • « The beam holds up the roof »
    • « He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam »
    • « What's holding that mirror? »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. hold up something as an example

    Examples

    • « hold up one's achievements for admiration »
  3. 3. cause to be slowed down or delayed

    Examples

    • « Traffic was delayed by the bad weather »
    • « she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform »

    Antonyms

    Derived terms

  4. 4. rob at gunpoint or by means of some other threat

    Derived terms

  5. 5. continue to live

    Examples

    • « endure or last »
    • « We went without water and food for 3 days »
    • « These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America »
    • « The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents »

    Derived terms

  6. 6. resist or confront with resistance

    Examples

    • « The politician defied public opinion »
    • « The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear »
    • « The bridge held »

    Derived terms

  7. 7. resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.

    Examples

    • « Her shoes won't hold up »
    • « This theory won't hold water »

Famous quotes

  • « Women hold up half the sky. »
    Mao Zedong
  • « If you are caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron. »
    Lee Trevino
  • « Both within the family and without, our sisters hold up our mirrors: our images of who we are and of who we can dare to be. »
    Elizabeth Fishel
  • « Well, it's a little harder in New York. It's not as forgiving to a film crew. You hold up a bunch of New Yorkers who can't cross the street, they're not going to take it well. Southern California? They'll wait. It's cool man. In New York, they're like, 'Are you kidding me? I gotta get to work.' »
    Matthew Rhys
  • « If you're lucky enough to be involved in a film that's about something very real and that you hope will continue to hold up in 20 years' time it just gives you more energy and makes it feel all the more worthwhile. »
    Eric Bana

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