Phrasal verb
hold out against
Definition
phrasal verb. to resist something or someone and refuse to give in, even when you are under pressure.
phrasal verb. to maintain resistance against an opposing force or pressure; to refuse to yield or submit during a conflict or negotiation.
Examples
“The small army held out against the invaders for weeks.”
“Despite the attractive offer, the homeowners held out against the developers to save their local park.”
“The besieged garrison managed to hold out against the enemy forces until reinforcements finally arrived at dawn.”
Examples
simple
“The small army held out against the invaders for weeks.”
contextual
“Despite the attractive offer, the homeowners held out against the developers to save their local park.”
complex
“The besieged garrison managed to hold out against the enemy forces until reinforcements finally arrived at dawn.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun representing an enemy, a pressure, or a tempting offer.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'give in' or 'surrender'; the phrase emphasizes the duration and difficulty of the resistance.
Pitfall
They held out the pressure.
They held out against the pressure.
the preposition 'against' is essential to show what is being resisted; 'hold out' alone means to offer or last.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out against
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hold + out + against + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/hold-out-against