verb
Etymology: hold (I) + back
transitive verb
1.
a. : to keep in check : restrain , curb
had to hold the children back from running out into the street
b. : to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
followed the policy of holding any child back who could not read adequately
2.
a. : to retain in one's keeping
held a large sum back to cover costs of handling
b. : to keep to oneself
who is at liberty to speak and hold nothing back — F.L.Paxson
3. : to shade (a portion of an image in photography) while printing to reduce the density
intransitive verb
: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something : hold aloof
held back from making a complete statement about his political position
were asked to hold back on food deliveries during the shortage
when they asked the child to come in he held back
Synonyms: see keep