Phrasal verb
hold back
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
hold back
Past
held back
Past participle
held back
Definition
phrasal verb. to stop yourself from showing a feeling or doing something, or to prevent someone or something from making progress.
phrasal verb. To restrain an emotional impulse or physical movement; also used transitively to describe the inhibition of progress or development. The verb can be used intransitively to indicate hesitation or reluctance to act.
Examples
“He struggled to hold back his laughter.”
“The lack of funding is starting to hold back the research team's ability to finish the project on time.”
“The witness appeared to hold back crucial information during the cross-examination, leading the jury to question her overall credibility.”
Examples
simple
“He struggled to hold back his laughter.”
contextual
“The lack of funding is starting to hold back the research team's ability to finish the project on time.”
complex
“The witness appeared to hold back crucial information during the cross-examination, leading the jury to question her overall credibility.”
Usage
Commonly used with nouns representing emotions, such as tears, laughter, or anger.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'keep back' which often implies physical distance, whereas 'hold back' usually implies restraint or lack of progress.
Pitfall
He held back of the truth.
He held back the truth.
The phrasal verb is transitive and does not require the preposition 'of' before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
hold + (object) + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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