verb

held

to hold, to host, to keep, to detain

He held the book in his hands.

He held the book in his hands.

The meeting was held yesterday.

The meeting was held yesterday.

She held the record for three years.

She held the record for three years.

He was held in prison for a week.

He was held in prison for a week.

((sb.)) ((held)) ((sth.)) to have sth. in your hand or arms He held the book in his hands.

((sth.)) ((was held)) to organize an event The meeting was held yesterday.

((sb.)) ((held)) ((a record/title)) to maintain a position or status She held the record for three years.

((sb.)) ((was held)) ((somewhere)) to be detained or kept somewhere He was held in prison for a week.

Synonyms: grasp, keep, contain, host

From Old English 'haldan', meaning 'to grasp, contain, keep'.

Remember that you 'hold' something 'old'. The past tense is 'held', as in you 'held' something old.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.