to have or keep (an object) with or within the hands, arms, etc; clasp
(transitive) to support or bear ⇒ to hold a drowning man's head above water
to maintain or be maintained in a specified state or condition ⇒ to hold one's emotions in check, hold firm
(transitive) to set aside or reserve ⇒ they will hold our tickets until tomorrow
(when intransitive, usually used in commands) to restrain or be restrained from motion, action, departure, etc ⇒ hold that man until the police come
(intransitive) to remain fast or unbroken ⇒ that cable won't hold much longer
(intransitive) (of the weather) to remain dry and bright ⇒ how long will the weather hold?
(transitive) to keep the attention of ⇒ her singing held the audience
(transitive) to engage in or carry on ⇒ to hold a meeting
(transitive) to have the ownership, possession, etc, of ⇒ he holds a law degree from London, who's holding the ace of spades?