Definition
- C1
to intentionally keep information undisclosed from someone
She chose not to reveal his secret to her friend, so she held the information back.
During the meeting, he held back his opinion to avoid creating controversy.
If you keep holding information back intentionally, it could become a big issue later on.
- C2
to restrain yourself from expressing an emotion
Even though he was very angry, he still tried to hold back his emotions.
At the wedding, she couldn't hold back her tears, even though she tried to hide them.
He was used to holding back his emotions at work, which made it hard for his colleagues to connect with him.