Definition of "hold up" in English

Verb

1. To wait or delay.

   • Hold up a minute. I want to check something.

2. To impede; detain.

   • I've got to get to work now. Why are you holding me up?
   • What is holding up traffic?
   • The guy tried to hold up a bank.

3. To detain by threatening, usually with a weapon, in order to commit robbery.

   • The guy tried to hold up a bank.

4. To support or lift.

   • Hold up the table while I slide this underneath.
   • His lectures held up Napoleon as an example of the phenomenon.
   • held up for public ridicule
   • I don't think he's holding up his end of the bargain.

5. To highlight, as if lifting up for display.

   • His lectures held up Napoleon as an example of the phenomenon.
   • held up for public ridicule

6. To fulfil or complete one's part of an agreement.

   • I don't think he's holding up his end of the bargain.

7. To persist. To withstand; to stand up to; to survive.

   • hold up to scrutiny
   • hold up to heavy use
   • how're you holdin up?
   • Bride of Frankenstein is an old film, but it holds up.

8. To withstand; to stand up to; to survive.

   • hold up to scrutiny
   • hold up to heavy use

9. To keep up; not to fall behind; not to lose ground.

10. To maintain composure despite hardship.

    • how're you holdin up?

11. To continue to be seen as favorable, to avoid seeming dated.

    • Bride of Frankenstein is an old film, but it holds up.