v. 1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly. The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off.
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE. 1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly. Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from people.
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE. 2. To keep away by fighting; oppose by force. The man locked himself in the house and held off the police for an hour. 3. To wait before (doing something); postpone; delay. Jack held off paying for the television set until the dealer fixed it. Mr. Smith held off from building while interest rates were high.