# hold out against

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hold-out-against
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to resist something or someone and refuse to give in, even when you are under pressure.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They held out the pressure." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.