hold in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Informal; common in spoken language.
Quick answer
What does “hold in” mean?
To restrain or keep something (an emotion, a physical object, or information) from being expressed, released, or revealed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To restrain or keep something (an emotion, a physical object, or information) from being expressed, released, or revealed.
Can refer to physically containing something within a space, or figuratively suppressing feelings, laughter, or secrets. In mechanics/engineering, it can mean to keep a component in place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor potential difference: In informal US English, 'hold it in' is a common, direct instruction regarding bodily functions. UK English might use 'keep it in' with similar frequency.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. Can carry a slight negative connotation when referring to suppressed emotions, implying potential harm from not expressing them.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hold in” in a Sentence
Subject + hold + object (emotion/thing) + inSubject + hold + in + object (emotion/thing)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hold in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- During the serious meeting, he had to hold in his laughter.
- The dam cannot hold in that much water indefinitely.
- Try to hold in your disappointment until we're alone.
American English
- She held her anger in during the argument.
- This container is designed to hold in heat.
- I had to hold it in until the next rest stop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to discuss controlling costs ('hold in expenditure'), information, or market reactions.
Academic
Used in psychology texts regarding emotional regulation, or in engineering/physics regarding containment.
Everyday
Most common for discussing emotions, laughter, or bodily functions in casual conversation.
Technical
In engineering: 'The clamp holds the pipe in place.' In IT: 'The firewall holds malicious traffic in check.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hold in”
- Incorrect: 'I held in my laugh.' (Use 'laughter'). Incorrect: 'She held in her shyness.' (Shyness is a trait, not a temporary impulse). Incorrect: 'Hold in your dog.' (Use 'hold back' or 'keep in').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but more common in spoken, informal contexts. In formal writing, synonyms like 'restrain', 'suppress', or 'contain' are often preferred.
They are often interchangeable for emotions ('hold back/in tears'). 'Hold back' is more versatile and can be used for physical restraint of people/animals ('hold back the crowd') or progress ('hold back development'), where 'hold in' sounds less natural.
Yes, but it often implies the positive thing is being restrained, which can feel unnatural. 'Hold in your joy' suggests suppressing it, which is less common than 'hold in your disappointment'. For positive anticipation, 'contain your excitement' is more typical.
It is separable. You can say 'hold in your laughter' or 'hold your laughter in'. With pronouns, you MUST separate: 'hold it in', NOT 'hold in it'.
To restrain or keep something (an emotion, a physical object, or information) from being expressed, released, or revealed.
Hold in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊld ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊld ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold your horses! (related in sense of restraining action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding their stomach IN to make it look smaller. They are RESTRAINING it from expanding outward.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONS ARE FLUIDS/PRESSURIZED SUBSTANCES ('bottled up', 'burst out'). Holding them in is containing a dangerous or volatile substance.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'hold in' used CORRECTLY?