hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on

intransitive verb

1

a

: to maintain a condition or position : persist

b

: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on

2

: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested

broadly : wait

Phrases

hold on to

: to maintain possession of or adherence to

Synonyms

• abide
• bide
• continue
• endure
• hold up
• keep up
• last
• perdure
• persist
• remain
• run on

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Recent Examples on the Web

Police received a call around 7:56 p.m. that a 16-year-old girl stabbed a man and was being held on the ground in the park by some bystanders. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024

If Democrats hold on to all of these seats, control of the chamber would be decided by who wins the White House. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Aug. 2024

He was ordered held on a $2 million bond during arraignment in 41B District Court in the Clinton Township case. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 15 Aug. 2024

Online jail records show Kenneth is being held on $2 million bond. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hold on

verb

1

: to keep a hold

2

: wait entry 1 sense 1a