definition of
hold back

[1] #1 hold back v. hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of; "Arrest the downward trend"; "Check the growth of communism in South East Asia"; "Contain the rebel movement"; "Turn back the tide of communism". wn

[2] #2 hold back v. keep under control; keep in check; "suppress a smile"; "Keep your temper"; "keep your cool". wn

[3] #3 hold back v. refrain from doing; "she forbore a snicker". wn

[4] #4 hold back v. wait before acting; "the scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment". wn

[5] #5 hold back v. secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree". wn