Meaning of the word "hold down" in English

What does "hold down" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

hold down

US /hoʊld daʊn/

UK /həʊld daʊn/

to keep something or someone in a low position or prevent them from rising

Example:

•

The strong wind threatened to hold down the tent.

•

You need to hold down the paper while you cut it.

Synonym:

restrain suppress control keep down pin down

to manage to keep a job or position

Example:

•

It's hard to hold down a job with a criminal record.

•

Despite the challenges, she managed to hold down her position as manager.

Synonym:

retain maintain keep secure

to control or suppress something, especially a feeling or a group of people

Example:

•

The government tried to hold down the protests.

•

She struggled to hold down her anger.

Synonym:

suppress control restrain quell subdue