hold out meaning and definition

HOLD OUT verb

Definition of hold out (verb)

1. thrust or extend out
   • "He held out his hand"; "point a finger"; "extend a hand"; "the bee exserted its sting"
   • synonyms: exsert, extend, put out, stretch forth, stretch out
2. stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
   • synonyms: resist, stand firm, withstand
   • antonym: give up
3. last and be usable
   • "This dress wore well for almost ten years"
   • synonyms: endure, wear
4. wait uncompromisingly for something desirable
   • "He held out for the dessert and did not touch the cheeses"
5. continue to live through hardship or adversity
   • "We went without water and food for 3 days"; "These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America"; "The race car driver lived through several very serious accidents"; "how long can a person last without food and water?"
   • synonyms: endure, go, hold up, last, live, live on, survive