holddown: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Business
Quick answer
What does “holddown” mean?
A means of keeping something in place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A means of keeping something in place; a fastener or restraint; also, a period during which something is kept at a reduced or suppressed level.
1. A physical device or method for securing something. 2. In computing/engineering: a mechanism to keep a component firmly connected. 3. In business/economics: a period of enforced low prices, wages, or spending. 4. In military/aviation: the act of keeping an aircraft on the ground or a target under surveillance/fire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though slightly more frequent in American English in technical/manufacturing contexts. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. In business contexts, implies temporary, enforced suppression.
Frequency
Low-frequency word overall, but has established usage in specific technical fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “holddown” in a Sentence
impose a [holddown] on [prices]use a [holddown] to secure [the component]during the [holddown]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The government instituted a price holddown on essential goods for six months.
Academic
The study examined the effects of a prolonged wage holddown on employee morale.
Everyday
We need a better holddown for this tablecloth in the wind. (less common)
Technical
Ensure the heat sink is firmly attached using the four corner holddowns.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holddown”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holddown”
- Using it as a verb ('to holddown' - incorrect; correct verb is 'to hold down'). Confusing it with 'lockdown'. Overusing in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is typically written as one word ('holddown') or hyphenated ('hold-down'), especially in technical writing. The verb is always two words: 'to hold down'.
A 'holddown' is a type of clamp or fastener specifically designed to press something flat or secure it against a surface. All holddowns are clamps, but not all clamps are holddowns.
It is rare in casual speech. It's primarily a technical/business term. In everyday contexts, people would more likely say 'something to hold it down' or use a simpler word like 'clip' or 'weight'.
Not directly. The attributive noun is used (e.g., 'holddown bolt', 'holddown period'). The adjective would be descriptive, like 'suppressed' or 'capped'.
A means of keeping something in place.
Holddown is usually technical/business in register.
Holddown: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊld.daʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊld.daʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly for the noun form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'hold-down' as something that HOLDS a thing DOWN in place or value.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING DOWN (suppressing prices, keeping components fixed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'holddown' LEAST likely to be used?