hold back — to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing
Pronunciation (IPA): /hoʊld bæk/
Korean meaning: 억제하다, 저지하다, 뒤로 물러서게 하다
Korean pronunciation: **홀**드 **백**
Example Sentences
- My mom held back my little brother from eating the entire birthday cake before the party.
- The dam holds back millions of gallons of water from flooding the valley.
- I couldn't hold back my laughter when the teacher's toupee fell off during the serious lecture.
hold back
VERB//hoʊld bæk//
to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing

to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing
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Don't let pain hold you back - drop the cold pack and face the bold track!
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Start for Free🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'haldan' (to hold, grasp) combined with 'bæc' (back). Both elements have Germanic roots and have been used together since Middle English to express the concept of restraining or preventing forward movement.
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“My mom held back my little brother from eating the entire birthday cake before the party.”
“The dam holds back millions of gallons of water from flooding the valley.”
“I couldn't hold back my laughter when the teacher's toupee fell off during the serious lecture.”
“Don't hold back your opinions during the meeting; we need honest feedback.”
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