#1 hold on v. hold firmly. wn #2 hold on v. stop and wait, as if awaiting further instructions or developments; "Hold on a moment!". wn #3 hold on v. be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking questions". wn #4 hold on v. hold the phone line open; "Please hang on while I get your folder". wn #5 hold on v. retain possession of; "Can I keep my old stuffed animals?"; "She kept her maiden name after she married". wn