hold-up

noun

1. a robbery, esp an armed one
2. a delay; stoppage
3. an excessive charge; extortion
4. usually plural a stocking that is held up by an elasticated top without suspenders

verb

1. tr to delay; hinder

   we were held up by traffic

2. tr to keep from falling; support
3. tr to stop forcibly or waylay in order to rob, esp using a weapon
4. tr to exhibit or present

   he held up his achievements for our admiration

5. intr to survive or last

   how are your shoes holding up?

6. bridge to refrain from playing a high card, so delaying the establishment of (a suit)
7. hold up one's hands
   to confess a mistake or misdeed

Example Sentences

Savers, however, may see the interest paid on their savings hold up better than would otherwise be the case.

From BBC

The shift from comfortably red on election night to uncomfortably purple two weeks later has been held up by right-wing agitators as evidence of voter fraud.

From Los Angeles Times

“You can’t just make one cast-iron spoke and expect the wheel to hold up.”

From Los Angeles Times

Back at the park, as we discuss the results of the US election, one man holds up four fingers.

From BBC

It’s up to us to hold up the mirror, to start thawing those stone hearts with stories that peel away the layers of fear and hate.

From Salon

Related Words

• delay
• detain
• hinder
• impede
• interrupt
• stay
• stop
• suspend