understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
"he has a good grasp of accounting practices"
time during which some action is awaited
"instant replay caused too long a delay"
"he ordered a hold in the action"
a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
"his detention was politically motivated"
"the prisoner is on hold"
"he is in the custody of police"
the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
"The captain had to reroute their journey because the storm damaged the forward cargo hold, making it impossible to load any more supplies."
A grasp or grip.
"The pilot instructed the crew to secure all loose items in the cargo hold before takeoff."
The cargo area of a ship or aircraft (often holds or cargo hold).
to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
"This holds the local until the express passengers change trains"
"About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade"
"The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center"
"The terrorists held the journalists for ransom"
have room for; hold without crowding
"This hotel can accommodate 250 guests"
"The theater admits 300 people"
"The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people"
remain in a certain state, position, or condition
"The weather held"
"They held on the road and kept marching"
have as a major characteristic
"The novel holds many surprises"
"The book holds in store much valuable advise"
hold the attention of
"The soprano held the audience"
"This story held our interest"
"She can hold an audience spellbound"
take and maintain control over, often by violent means
"The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week"
cover as for protection against noise or smell
"She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate"
"hold one's nose"
To grasp or grip.
"She tightened her grip on the railing to steady herself as the boat rocked violently in the storm."
Gracious; friendly; faithful; true.
"The old couple held their hands across the table, a gesture of such gracious and faithful love that everyone in the room felt warm."