hold someone/something up

Related to word: hold

Phrasal Verb

Definition (crime)

  1. to rob an individual by force or intimidation

    • The robbers held up the customers in the bank at gunpoint.

    • They attempted to hold up the store using a fake voice.

    • There have been increasing incidents of people being held up in this city.

Definition (delay)

  1. B1

    to cause a delay for someone or something

    • Traffic congestion held us up from getting to the meeting on time.

    • I was held up due to previous issues.

    • She was held up in signing the contract due to a power outage.