hold up Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb be the physical support of; carry the weight of
   support; hold; sustain.
   
   • The beam holds up the roof
   • He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
   • What's holding that mirror?
2. verb hold up something as an example; hold up one's achievements for admiration
   
3. verb cause to be slowed down or delayed
   delay; detain.
   
   • Traffic was delayed by the bad weather
   • she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform
4. verb rob at gunpoint or by means of some other threat
   stick up.
   
5. verb continue to live through hardship or adversity
   live on; last; live; endure; hold out; go; survive.
   
   • We went without water and food for 3 days
   • These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
   • The race car driver lived through several very serious accidents
   • how long can a person last without food and water?
6. verb resist or confront with resistance
   withstand; defy; hold.
   
   • The politician defied public opinion
   • The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
   • The bridge held
7. verb resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.
   stand up; hold water.
   
   • Her shoes won't hold up
   • This theory won't hold water

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