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

"Wood's role for Forest plays to his strengths, which are occupying the centre-halves as a big hold-up player, and putting away any chances the wingers make for him inside the box," he explained.

From BBC

Mr Petterson said the hold-up related to administrative paperwork.

From BBC

She can’t comprehend what the hold-up is and wants answers.

From BBC

Riley couldn’t understand the hold-up, when he was asked about it last October.

From Los Angeles Times

A crucial hurdle to receiving more air defense supplies is the hold-up in Washington of House approval for a U.S. aid package that includes roughly $60 billion for Ukraine.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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