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

The decision to revoke the license was challenged in a hearing held on April 23, 2015, but the revocation was maintained, an ATF letter dated June 29, 2015, shows. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

The Wisconsin partisan primary election was held on Tuesday. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024

Trudeau’s already shaky hold on the country has now become more tenuous as pressure builds on him to step down. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

By embracing a bold Western dress code, Beyoncé has not only popularized the cowgirl aesthetic but has also solidified its hold on trendsetters everywhere. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 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