hold off

verb

held off; holding off; holds off

transitive verb

1

: to block from an objective : delay

2

: to defer action on : postpone

hold off a decision

3

: to fight to a standoff : withstand

intransitive verb

: to defer or temporarily stop doing something

Synonyms

• defer
• delay
• hold over
• hold up
• lay over
• postpone
• put off
• put over
• remit
• shelve

Examples of hold off in a Sentence

we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along

Recent Examples on the Web

If Colombia, which has now agreed to accept deportees, honors its commitment, the U.S. government may hold off on implementing further sanctions. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

Still, the play was workmanlike, and after an exciting rally to hold off set point, Sinner eventually forced a tiebreak, winning it 7-4. —Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025

This brought the player closer to an extension with Bayern and there was an agreement in principle in June, before the board decided to hold off because of concerns over Davies’ performances. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

The complications involved in trading Ball might force them to hold off on a decision until after the season. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

hold off

verb

1

: to keep away : withstand

held off the attack

2

: postpone, delay

decided to hold off on the decision

will hold off production for the summer