English · Common Verbs
hold back
/hoʊld bæk/
[/hoʊld bæk/]
restrain
Intermediateverb
Definition
To stop yourself or someone from doing something, or to keep something secret.
Example
She held back her tears during the speech.
She held back her tears during the speech.
Etymology
From 'hold' plus 'back', meaning to restrain movement or expression.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for restraining emotion or action.