# ahold

/əˈhoʊɫd/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ahold
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to hold or grasp something tightly. You use this when you need to keep a firm grip on something, like a rope or a handle.

For teachers: to grasp or hold something firmly. Often used in nautical or informal contexts to describe maintaining a secure grip on a physical object.

## Examples

- He had to ahold of the rope to keep from falling.
- The sailor had to ahold of the mast as the storm picked up speed and the boat rocked violently.
- In the high winds of the open sea, the crew had to ahold of their positions to prevent the heavy sails from being torn away by the gusts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.