holdback

1 of 2

noun

hold·​back ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 

1

: something that retains or restrains

2

a

: the act of holding back

b

: something held back

hold back

2 of 2

verb

held back; holding back; holds back

transitive verb

1

a

: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain

b

: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level

2

: to refrain from revealing or parting with

held back important information

intransitive verb

1

: to keep oneself in check

2

: to refrain from revealing or parting with something

Synonyms

Noun

• delay
• detainment
• detention
• holding pattern
• holdup
• wait

Verb

• clog
• cramp
• embarrass
• encumber
• fetter
• hamper
• handcuff
• handicap
• hinder
• hobble
• hog-tie
• hold up
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• manacle
• obstruct
• shackle
• short-circuit
• stymie
• tie up
• trammel

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Noun

there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed

the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position

Verb

the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation

held back her tears until she was alone

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The other half of the moneys would be released to the clients' captives within 180 days, less some holdback that would last until the reinsurance policy expired (usually at the end of the year), plus some additional days tacked on for the extended reporting period. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024

The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks. —Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

Verb

Interest rates might edge down a bit more in the coming weeks, but many consumers and business owners could hold back borrowing if postelection tension and uncertainty revs up. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

At the same time as zero-Covid was holding back China’s economy, Beijing in 2020-2021 decided that the country needed to shift away from real estate development as an engine of growth and toward higher-technology pursuits. —Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

hold back

verb

1

: to make difficult the progress or achievement of

2

: to keep from revealing or giving

held back important information