hold

n.

catch hold of

get hold of

1. take, grasp, catch; see seize 1.

2. get, acquire, receive;

lay <strong>or </strong>take hold of

no holds barred*

hold

v.

1. To have in one's grasp

   grasp, grip, clutch, carry, embrace, clench, cling to, detain, enclose, restrain, confine, check, take hold of, contain, hold down, hold onto, not let go, never let go, hang on, have a firm hold of, squeeze, press, secure, hug, handle, fondle, have in hand, keep in hand, keep fast, retain, keep, keep a grasp on, maintain a grasp on, clasp, hold fast, hold tight, keep a firm hold on, tie, keep close, unite, palm, take, catch, clinch, fasten upon, cradle, have an iron grip on*, hang on to*; see also seize 1.

   Antonyms let fall, release*, let go. *

2. To have in one's possession

   keep, retain, possess; see maintain 3, own 1.

3. To remain firm

   resist, persevere, keep staunch; see continue 1, endure 2.

4. To adhere

   attach, cling, take hold; see adhere, fasten 1, stick 1.

5. To be valid

   exist, continue, remain true, have bearing, be the case, endure, be in effect, operate, be in force; see also be 1.

   Antonyms stop*, expire*, be out-of-date.

6. To believe

   regard, aver, judge; see believe 1, think 1.

7. To contain

   have the capacity for, accommodate, be equipped for; see contain 1, include 1.

8. To support; often used with up

   sustain, brace, buttress, prop, lock, stay, shoulder, underpin, uphold, underprop, shore up, bear up, bolster up; see also support 1. See syn. study at contain.