Definitions of hold:

• noun:   a cell in a jail or prison
• noun:   a stronghold
• noun:   power by which something or someone is affected or dominated

  Example: "He has a hold over them"

• noun:   a state of being confined (usually for a short time)

  Example: "The prisoner is on hold"

• noun:   time during which some action is awaited

  Example: "He ordered a hold in the action"

• noun:   understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
• noun:   the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
• noun:   the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
• noun:   the act of grasping

  Example: "She kept a firm hold on the railing"

• verb:   take and maintain control over, often by violent means
• verb:   keep from departing

  Example: "Hold the taxi"

• verb:   stop dealing with

  Example: "Hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting"

• verb:   remain in a certain state, position, or condition
• verb:   contain or hold; have within

  Example: "The canteen holds fresh water"

• verb:   have as a major characteristic

  Example: "The novel holds many surprises"

• verb:   remain committed to

  Example: "I hold to these ideas"

• verb:   assert or affirm

  Example: "Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good"

• verb:   hold the attention of

  Example: "She can hold an audience spellbound"

• verb:   keep from exhaling or expelling

  Example: "Hold your breath"

• verb:   aim, point, or direct

  Example: "Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames"

• verb:   have or hold in one's hands or grip

  Example: "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"

• verb:   be the physical support of; carry the weight of

  Example: "The beam holds up the roof"

• verb:   cover as for protection against noise or smell

  Example: "Hold one's nose"

• verb:   support or hold in a certain manner

  Example: "She holds her head high"

• verb:   organize or be responsible for

  Example: "Hold a reception"

• verb:   secure and keep for possible future use or application
• verb:   have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices
• verb:   arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance

  Example: "Please hold a table at Maxim's"

• verb:   be valid, applicable, or true

  Example: "This theory still holds"

• verb:   be pertinent or relevant or applicable

  Example: "This theory holds for all irrational numbers"

• verb:   have room for; hold without crowding

  Example: "The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people"

• verb:   keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

  Example: "Hold these truths to be self-evident"

• verb:   be in accord; be in agreement

  Example: "I hold with those who say life is sacred"

• verb:   drink alcohol without showing ill effects

  Example: "He can hold his liquor"

• verb:   cause to stop
• verb:   have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense

  Example: "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard"

• verb:   lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits

  Example: "Hold your tongue"

• verb:   keep in a certain state, position, or activity

  Example: "Hold in place"

• verb:   be capable of holding or containing

  Example: "The flask holds one gallon"

• verb:   resist or confront with resistance
• verb:   declare to be
• verb:   bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted

  Example: "I'll hold you by your promise"

• verb:   protect against a challenge or attack

  Example: "Hold that position behind the trees!"

• verb:   to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement

  Example: "This holds the local until the express passengers change trains"

• verb:   maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)