Hold down
verb
To stop someone or something from moving or getting up.
I had to hold down the lid because it kept popping up.
Often appears as...
- hold down a job
- hold down a button
verb
To keep a job for a period of time.
She has managed to hold down a steady job for the past year.
Often appears as...
- someone can't hold down a job
- hold down a full-time job
verb
To press a key on a computer or a button on a machine in order to make it work or have a certain effect.
Hold down the button until the light turns green.
Often appears as...
- hold down a button
- hold down the ctrl key
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To stop someone from doing something, or to limit the development of someone or something.
He feels his lack of experience is holding him down in his career.
Often appears as...
- hold someone down
- hold down progress
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To stop someone or something from moving or getting up.
I had to hold down the lid because it kept popping up.
Often appears as...
- hold down a job
- hold down a button
verb
To keep a job for a period of time.
She has managed to hold down a steady job for the past year.
Often appears as...
- someone can't hold down a job
- hold down a full-time job
verb
To press a key on a computer or a button on a machine in order to make it work or have a certain effect.
Hold down the button until the light turns green.
Often appears as...
- hold down a button
- hold down the ctrl key
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To stop someone from doing something, or to limit the development of someone or something.
He feels his lack of experience is holding him down in his career.
Often appears as...
- hold someone down
- hold down progress
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Typically involves actual restraint or physical control over something or someone.
During the magic show, I had to hold down the curious cat from jumping on stage.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Violent
'Hold down' suggests control without implying violence or harm; it's often a protective or preventive action.
Hold down those papers with a paperweight before the wind scatters them.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Typically involves actual restraint or physical control over something or someone.
During the magic show, I had to hold down the curious cat from jumping on stage.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Violent
'Hold down' suggests control without implying violence or harm; it's often a protective or preventive action.
Hold down those papers with a paperweight before the wind scatters them.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Typically involves actual restraint or physical control over something or someone.
During the magic show, I had to hold down the curious cat from jumping on stage.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Violent
'Hold down' suggests control without implying violence or harm; it's often a protective or preventive action.
Hold down those papers with a paperweight before the wind scatters them.
Never forget "Hold down"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension