- 1[singular, uncountable] the action of holding someone or something; the way you are holding someone or something synonym grip His hold on her arm tightened. She tried to keep hold of the child's hand. Make sure you've got a steady hold on the camera.
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in sports - 2[countable] a particular way of holding someone, especially in a sport such as wrestling or in a fight The wrestler put his opponent into a head hold. The exercise called for the recruits to get out of various holds.
- 3[singular] hold (on/over somebody/something) influence, power, or control over someone or something What she knew about his past gave her a hold over him. He struggled to get a hold of his anger. see stranglehold in climbing
- 4[countable] a place where you can put your hands or feet when climbing She put her foot firmly in the hold and pulled herself up. see foothold, handhold, toehold on ship/plane
- 5[countable] the part of a ship or plane where the goods being carried are stored Idioms
- 1to find something that you want or need I need to get hold of Tom's address. It's almost impossible to get hold of tickets for the final. The police do not know how the boy got hold of the knife. How did the press get hold of the story?
- 2to learn or understand something
- 1delayed until a later time or date She put her career on hold to have a baby. The project is on hold until more money is available. The department has placed its plans on hold pending the results of the elections.
- 2if a person on the telephone is put on hold, they have to wait until the person that they want to talk to is free
with hand
to have or take someone or something in your hands He caught hold of her wrists so she couldn't get away. Lee got hold of the dog by its collar. Quick, grab a hold of that rope. Gently, she took hold of the door handle and turned it.
to contact or find someone Where have you been? I've been trying to get hold of you all day. Eventually, we got hold of Dan in New York. Do you know where I can get hold of a good plumber?
with no rules or limits on what someone is allowed to do There will be no holds barred in his interview with the president this evening.
to begin to have complete control over someone or something; to become very strong Panic took hold of him and he couldn't move. They got out of the house just before the flames took hold. It is best to treat the disease early before it takes a hold.
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