English · Common Verbs
hold up
/hoʊld ʌp/
[/hoʊld ʌp/]
delay; support; rob
Intermediateverb
Definition
To delay someone or something, to support a weight, or to rob a place using force.
Example
Sorry I'm late; I was held up in traffic.
Sorry I'm late; I was held up in traffic.
Etymology
From 'hold' plus 'up', the idea of stopping or supporting something.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for delays and, separately, robberies.