held on

Refused to release

Held on is the past tense of hold on, carrying its meanings into completed action.

Someone held on to a railing for support, or held on to hope despite setbacks.

It can describe waiting: She held on while they transferred her call.

Or persisting through difficulty: The team held on for a narrow victory.

He held on to his childhood toys for decades.

Related

persisted · kept faith · took control · coped · weathered · gripped · white-knuckled · for dear life · maintained · dug in · seized · lingered · withstood · anchored · braved · clasped · sustained · latched

Opposites
grip/physical retention

held onlet go

Cease holding something

released · dropped · relinquished · unclenched · slipped

perseverance/endurance

held ongave up

Abandoned an attempt

surrendered · quit · gave in · capitulated · succumbed

possession/retention

held ongave up

Abandoned an attempt

surrendered · relinquished · let go · parted with · forfeited

Family

held, hold, on, holds, holding, holdings, holder, holders, holdout

Familiarity
Top 10,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G