hold off
verb
held off; holding off; holds off
1
: to block from an objective : delay
2
: to defer action on : postpone
hold off a decision
3
: to fight to a standoff : withstand
: to defer or temporarily stop doing something
Synonyms
Examples of hold off in a Sentence
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Recent Examples on the Web
On the other side, Gardner-Johnson will try to hold off Taylor and the Chiefs’ offense, helping
lead the defensive effort as a safety.
—
Amanda Pirkowski, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025
Washington — Senate Republicans are moving forward with their own budget plan to fund President Trump's agenda despite a request from House Speaker Mike Johnson to hold off and let the lower chamber take the lead.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025
Ukraine has managed to hold off military defeat since Russia's invasion, which began nearly three years ago.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
In 2016 with the final San Diego Chargers team, Gates held off second-round draftee Hunter Henry from supplanting him as the exclusive starter and finished with seven TD receptions, trailing only Henry for team honors.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hold off 
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Amanda Pirkowski, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025
Washington — Senate Republicans are moving forward with their own budget plan to fund President Trump's agenda despite a request from House Speaker Mike Johnson to hold off and let the lower chamber take the lead.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025
Ukraine has managed to hold off military defeat since Russia's invasion, which began nearly three years ago.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
In 2016 with the final San Diego Chargers team, Gates held off second-round draftee Hunter Henry from supplanting him as the exclusive starter and finished with seven TD receptions, trailing only Henry for team honors.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hold off
Dictionary Entries Near hold off
Cite this Entry
“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.
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