hold back

(verb) hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of. Synonyms: check, turn back, arrest, stop, contain, hold back. Examples: "Arrest the downward trend." "Check the growth of communism in south east asia." "Contain the rebel movement." "Turn back the tide of communism."

(verb) keep under control; keep in check. Synonyms: restrain, keep, keep back, hold back. Examples: "Suppress a smile." "Keep your temper." "Keep your cool."

(verb) refrain from doing. Synonyms: forbear, hold back. Example: "She forbore a snicker."

(verb) wait before acting. Synonyms: wait, hold off, hold back. Example: "The scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment."

(verb) secure and keep for possible future use or application. Synonyms: retain, hold, keep back, hold back. Examples: "The landlord retained the security deposit." "I reserve the right to disagree."

(verb) hold back; keep from being perceived by others. Synonyms: conceal, hold back, hold in. Example: "She conceals her anger well."