# hold back

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hold-back
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to stop yourself from showing a feeling or doing something, or to prevent someone or something from making progress.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He held back of the truth." but "He held back the truth." — The phrasal verb is transitive and does not require the preposition 'of' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.