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 central motivator for terrorism, according to Beck, is this: an economic grievance against a superpower that is unable to grow or spread the wealth but is also holding on to its position of dominance at all costs. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2024

The nominees will be named on November 8, and the sixty-seventh annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

The teen's father, Colin Gray, was also present in the interview, which was held on their front porch. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2024

The 2024 Emmys will be held on Sunday, September 15, at 6 p.m. Arizona time. Need a break? —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 Sep. 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