Hold vs. Ahold — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Hold" refers to the act of grasping or keeping something, whereas "ahold" is an informal version often used to mean obtaining or grasping something temporarily.
Difference Between Hold and Ahold
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Hold" is a versatile verb used to describe the action of physically grasping something or metaphorically maintaining control over a situation. For example, one might hold an object securely in their hands. Whereas "ahold," primarily used in informal American English, suggests a temporary or initial grabbing or obtaining, such as catching ahold of a rope during a rescue.
"Hold" also functions as a noun, denoting a grasp, support, or controlling position, as in a wrestler's hold during a match. On the other hand, "ahold" does not commonly function as a noun; its usage is restricted to being part of verb phrases.
In terms of usage in written and formal communications, "hold" is universally accepted and appears in various contexts, from legal language to everyday communication. Whereas "ahold" is often reserved for casual conversation and is less likely to be used in formal writing due to its informal nature.
"Hold" can be applied in broader contexts, such as in expressions like "hold the fort" or "get a hold of oneself," indicating maintaining position or self-control. On the other hand, "ahold" is rarely found in such idiomatic expressions and is typically confined to the physical act of grabbing.
While "hold" is a fundamental part of English vocabulary taught in standard language education, "ahold" might not be commonly taught as it is considered a colloquialism and is less formal, possibly not even recognized in some English language curriculums.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb, noun
Verb (informal)
Usage
Formal and informal contexts
Primarily informal contexts
Function in Sentence
Can be a main verb or a noun
Used as part of verb phrases
Idiomatic Expressions
Found in many idioms
Rarely used in idioms
Formality
Accepted in formal writing
Typically avoided in formal writing
Compare with Definitions
Hold
To organize and conduct.
The community will hold a meeting next week.
Ahold
To get into possession or use of.
Get ahold of the rope as we pull you up.
Hold
To contain or be capable of containing.
The bottle can hold two liters.
Ahold
To seize something physically.
He got ahold of the dog's collar.
Hold
To maintain control, influence, or possession.
He holds a significant stake in the company.
Ahold
To make contact with someone.
I need to get ahold of my supervisor.
Hold
To bind legally or morally.
The contract holds them to complete the project on time.
Ahold
To secure a brief advantage or control.
She finally got ahold of the situation.
Hold
To grasp something physically.
She can hold the ball with one hand.
Ahold
To reach for and grasp.
He took ahold of the handle to steady himself.
Hold
To have and keep in one's grasp
Held the reins tightly.
Ahold
Koninklijke Ahold N.V. was a Dutch international retailer based in Zaandam, Netherlands. It merged with Delhaize Group in 2016 to form Ahold Delhaize.
Hold
To aim or direct; point
Held a hose on the fire.
Ahold
A hold or grip
Grab ahold of the rope.
Hold
To keep from falling or moving; support
A nail too small to hold the mirror.
Hold the horse steady.
Papers that were held together with staples.
Ahold
(of a ship) Brought to lie as near to the windward as it can to get out to sea, and thereby held steady.
Hold
To sustain the pressure of
The old bridge can't hold much weight.
Ahold
(informal) A hold, grip, grasp.
Hold
To keep from departing or getting away
Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash.
Ahold
Near the wind; as, to lay a ship ahold.
Hold
To keep in custody
Held the suspect for questioning.
Hold
To retain (one's attention or interest)
Televised sports can't hold my interest.
Hold
To avoid letting out or expelling
The swimmer held her breath while underwater.
Hold
To be filled by; contain
This drawer holds socks.
Hold
To be capable of holding
A pitcher that holds a quart.
Hold
To have as a chief characteristic or quality
The film holds many surprises.
Hold
To have in store
Let's see what the future holds.
Hold
To have and maintain in one's possession
Holds a great deal of property.
Hold
To have as a responsible position or a privilege
Held the governorship for six years.
Hold
To have in recognition of achievement or superiority
Holds the record for the one-mile race.
Holds the respect of her peers.
Hold
To maintain control over
Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom.
Hold
To maintain occupation of by force or coercion
Protesters held the embassy for a week.
Hold
To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example).
Hold
To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action
The storyteller held the crowd spellbound.
Hold
To impose control or restraint on; curb
She held her temper.
Hold
To stop the movement or progress of
Hold the presses!.
Hold
To reserve or keep back from use
Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger.
Hold
To defer the immediate handling of
The receptionist held all calls during the meeting.
Hold
To own or have title to.
Hold
To be in possession of, whether legally entitled or not
Holds an interest in the company.
Hold
To bind by a contract.
Hold
To adjudge or decree
The court held that the defendant was at fault.
Hold
To make accountable; obligate
He held me to my promise.
Hold
To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view
Holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices.
Hold
To assert or affirm, especially formally
This doctrine holds that people are inherently good.
Hold
To regard in a certain way
I hold you in high esteem.
Hold
To cause to take place; carry on
Held the race in Texas.
Hold a yard sale.
Hold
To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene
Held a meeting of the board.
Hold
To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position
Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg.
Hold
To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection
Held my nose against the stench.
Hold
To maintain a grasp or grip on something.
Hold
To stay securely fastened
The chain held.
Hold
To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition
Hopes the weather will hold.
Hold
To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition
The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations.
Hold
To continue in the same direction
The ship held to an easterly course.
Hold
To be valid, applicable, or true
The observation still holds in cases like this.
Hold
To halt an intended action. Often used in the imperative.
Hold
To stop the countdown during a missile or spacecraft launch.
Hold
(Slang) To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics
The suspect was holding.
Hold
The act or a means of grasping.
Hold
A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido
A neck hold.
An arm hold.
Hold
Something that may be grasped or gripped, as for support.
Hold
A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position
Adjusted the horizontal hold.
Hold
A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection.
Hold
A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated
A writer with a strong hold on her readership.
Hold
Complete control
Has a firm hold on the complex issues.
Hold
Full understanding
Has a good hold on physics.
Hold
The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value.
Hold
The symbol designating this pause; a fermata.
Hold
A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred.
Hold
A temporary halt, as in a countdown.
Hold
A prison cell.
Hold
The state of being in confinement; custody.
Hold
(Archaic) A fortified place; a stronghold.
Hold
The lower interior part of a ship or airplane where cargo is stored.
Hold
(transitive) To grasp or grip.
Hold the pencil like this.
Hold
(transitive) To contain or store.
This package holds six bottles.
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to a position or state.
Hold
(transitive) To have and keep possession of something.
Hold my coat for me.
The general ordered the colonel to hold his position at all costs.
Hold
(transitive) To reserve.
Hold a table for us at 7:00.
Hold
(transitive) To cause to wait or delay.
Hold the elevator.
Hold
(transitive) To detain.
Hold the suspect in this cell.
Hold
To be or remain valid; to apply (usually in the third person).
To hold true;
The proposition holds.
Hold
To keep oneself in a particular state.
To hold firm
Hold
(transitive) To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
Hold
(transitive) To bear, carry, or manage.
He holds himself proudly erect.
Hold your head high.
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop.
Hold
(intransitive) Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Hold
To remain continent; to control an excretory bodily function.
To hold one's bladder;
To hold one's breath
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to particular opinions, promises, actions.
Hold
(transitive) To maintain, to consider, to opine.
Hold
(transitive) To bind (someone) to a consequence of his or her actions.
He was held responsible for the actions of those under his command.
I'll hold him to that promise.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Hold
(archaic) To restrain oneself; to refrain; to hold back.
Hold
To win one's own service game.
Hold
To take place, to occur.
Hold
To organise an event or meeting (usually in passive voice).
Elections will be held on the first Sunday of next month.
Hold
(archaic) To derive right or title.
Hold
(imperative) In a food or drink order at an informal restaurant etc., requesting that a component normally included in that order be omitted.
One ham-and-cheese sandwich; hold the mustard.
A martini, please, and hold the olive.
Hold
To be in possession of illicit drugs for sale.
Hold
A grasp or grip.
Keep a firm hold on the handlebars.
Hold
An act or instance of holding.
Can I have a hold of the baby?
Hold
A place where animals are held for safety
Hold
An order that something is to be reserved or delayed, limiting or preventing how it can be dealt with.
Senator X placed a hold on the bill, then went to the library and placed a hold on a book.
Hold
Something reserved or kept.
We have a hold here for you.
Hold
Power over someone or something.
Hold
The ability to persist.
Hold
The property of maintaining the shape of styled hair.
Hold
(wrestling) A position or grip used to control the opponent.
He got him in a tight hold and pinned him to the mat.
Hold
(exercise) An exercise involving holding a position for a set time
Hold
(gambling) The percentage the house wins on a gamble, the house or bookmaker's hold.
The House Hold on the game is 10,000, this is the amount of decision or risk the house wishes to assume.
Hold
(gambling) The wager amount, the total hold.
As of Monday night the total Melbourne Cup hold was $848,015
Hold
(tennis) An instance of holding one's service game, as opposed to being broken.
Hold
The part of an object one is intended to grasp, or anything one can use for grasping with hands or feet.
Hold
A fruit machine feature allowing one or more of the reels to remain fixed while the others spin.
Hold
A pause facility.
Hold
The queueing system on telephones and similar communication systems which maintains a connection when all lines are busy.
Hold
(baseball) A statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who is not still pitching at the end of the game and who records at least one out and maintains a lead for his team.
Hold
(aviation) A region of airspace reserved for aircraft being kept in a holding pattern.
Hold
The cargo area of a ship or aircraft (often holds or cargo hold).
We watched our luggage being loaded into the hold of the plane.
Hold
(obsolete) Gracious; friendly; faithful; true.
Hold
The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
Hold
The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; grip; possession; - often used with the verbs take and lay.
Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold.
Thou should'st lay hold upon him.
My soul took hold on thee.
Take fast hold of instruction.
Hold
The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
Hold
Binding power and influence.
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of.
Hold
Something that may be grasped; means of support.
If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall.
Hold
A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard.
They . . . put them in hold unto the next day.
King Richard, he is in the mighty holdOf Bolingbroke.
Hold
A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; - often called a stronghold.
New comers in an ancient hold
Hold
A character [thus ] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; - called also pause, and corona.
Hold
To cause to remain in a given situation, position, or relation, within certain limits, or the like; to prevent from falling or escaping; to sustain; to restrain; to keep in the grasp; to retain.
The loops held one curtain to another.
Thy right hand shall hold me.
They all hold swords, being expert in war.
In vain he seeks, that having can not hold.
France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, . . . A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.
Hold
To retain in one's keeping; to maintain possession of, or authority over; not to give up or relinquish; to keep; to defend.
We mean to hold what anciently we claimOf deity or empire.
Hold
To have; to possess; to be in possession of; to occupy; to derive title to; as, to hold office.
This noble merchant held a noble house.
Of him to hold his seigniory for a yearly tribute.
And now the strand, and now the plain, they held.
Hold
To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
We can not hold mortality's strong hand.
Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow.
He had not sufficient judgment and self-command to hold his tongue.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold not thy peace, and be not still.
Seedtime and harvest, heat and hoary frost,Shall hold their course.
Hold
To prosecute, have, take, or join in, as something which is the result of united action; as to, hold a meeting, a festival, a session, etc.; hence, to direct and bring about officially; to conduct or preside at; as, the general held a council of war; a judge holds a court; a clergyman holds a service.
I would hold more talk with thee.
Hold
To receive and retain; to contain as a vessel; as, this pail holds milk; hence, to be able to receive and retain; to have capacity or containing power for.
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
But still he held his purpose to depart.
Hold
To consider; to regard; to esteem; to account; to think; to judge.
I hold him but a fool.
I shall never hold that man my friend.
The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Hold
To bear, carry, or manage; as he holds himself erect; he holds his head high.
Let him hold his fingers thus.
O, fie! to receive favors, return falsehoods,And hold a lady in hand.
Hold
In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop; - mostly in the imperative.
And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
Hold
Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Our force by land hath nobly held.
Hold
Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.
While our obedience holds.
The rule holds in land as all other commodities.
Hold
Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave; - often with with, to, or for.
He will hold to the one and despise the other.
Hold
To restrain one's self; to refrain.
His dauntless heart would fain have heldFrom weeping, but his eyes rebelled.
Hold
To derive right or title; - generally with of.
My crown is absolute, and holds of none.
His imagination holds immediately from nature.
Hold
The act of grasping;
He released his clasp on my arm
He has a strong grip for an old man
She kept a firm hold on the railing
Hold
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
He has a good grasp of accounting practices
Hold
Power by which something or someone is affected or dominated;
He has a hold over them
Hold
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Hold
A state of being confined (usually for a short time);
His detention was politically motivated
The prisoner is on hold
He is in the custody of police
Hold
A stronghold
Hold
A cell in a jail or prison
Hold
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Hold
The space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
Hold
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Hold
Keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
Keep clean
Hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Hold
Have or hold in one's hands or grip;
Hold this bowl for a moment, please
A crazy idea took hold of him
Hold
To close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement;
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
Hold
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Hold
Have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense;
She has $1,000 in the bank
He has got two beautiful daughters
She holds a Master's degree from Harvard
Hold
Keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view;
Take for granted
View as important
Hold these truths to be self-evident
I hold him personally responsible
Hold
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Hold
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Hold
Remain in a certain state, position, or condition;
The weather held
They held on the road and kept marching
Hold
Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings);
Bear a grudge
Entertain interesting notions
Harbor a resentment
Hold
Assert or affirm;
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Hold
Remain committed to;
I hold to these ideas
Hold
Secure and keep for possible future use or application;
The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Hold
Be the physical support of; carry the weight of;
The beam holds up the roof
He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
What's holding that mirror?
Hold
Hold the attention of;
The soprano held the audience
This story held our interest
She can hold an audience spellbound
Hold
Keep from exhaling or expelling;
Hold your breath
Hold
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Hold
Have room for; hold without crowding;
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests
The theater admits 300 people
The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Hold
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Hold
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Hold
Take and maintain control over, often by violent means;
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Hold
Protect against a challenge or attack;
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Hold
Declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
Judge held that the defendant was innocent
Hold
Have as a major characteristic;
The novel holds many surprises
The book holds in store much valuable advise
Hold
Cause to stop;
Halt the engines
Arrest the progress
Halt the presses
Hold
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Hold
Cover as for protection against noise or smell;
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate
Hold one's nose
Hold
Drink alcohol without showing ill effects;
He can hold his liquor
He had drunk more than he could carry
Hold
Be pertinent or relevant or applicable;
The same laws apply to you!
This theory holds for all irrational numbers
The same rules go for everyone
Hold
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
Hold
Resist or confront with resistance;
The politician defied public opinion
The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
The bridge held
Hold
Keep from departing;
Hold the taxi
Hold the horse
Hold
Stop dealing with;
Hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Hold
Aim, point, or direct;
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Hold
Be in accord; be in agreement;
We agreed on the terms of the settlement
I can't agree with you!
I hold with those who say life is sacred
Both philosophers concord on this point
Common Curiosities
What does "hold" mean in everyday language?
"Hold" commonly means to grasp or carry something physically or to maintain a situation or condition.
Can "hold" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, "hold" is often used in legal contexts, such as in terms "hold harmless" in agreements.
Is "ahold" recognized in all English-speaking regions?
"Ahold" is primarily recognized in American English and may not be widely used or understood in other English-speaking regions.
Can "ahold" be used metaphorically like "hold"?
"Ahold" is less versatile and is rarely used metaphorically compared to "hold."
Are there any common phrases using "hold"?
Yes, phrases like "hold on" and "hold up" are common in English.
How is "hold" used in technology?
In technology, "hold" might refer to maintaining a state or condition, such as "hold the line" in telecommunications.
Is "ahold" considered correct in professional writing?
"Ahold" is generally considered informal and is not recommended for use in professional or formal writing.
What is the difference between "get a hold of" and "get ahold of"?
"Get a hold of" usually refers to establishing communication or control, whereas "get ahold of" implies physically grabbing or contacting.
How do you use "hold" in a sentence involving emotions?
You can use "hold" to describe controlling emotions, e.g., She managed to hold her composure.
Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "hold" and "ahold"?
The pronunciation of "hold" and "ahold" differs slightly primarily due to the initial 'a' sound in "ahold."
What advice would you give to someone learning English about using "hold" and "ahold"?
It's essential to understand that while "hold" is broadly acceptable, "ahold" should be used cautiously and primarily in informal settings.
How do cultural differences affect the use of "hold" and "ahold"?
Cultural differences might influence the perception of "ahold" as informal or colloquial, whereas "hold" is universally recognized and used across various English-speaking cultures.
Does "ahold" have any specialized uses?
"Ahold" does not have specialized uses and is generally used in everyday informal contexts.
What are synonyms for "hold"?
Synonyms for "hold" include grasp, clutch, grip, and retain.
What are synonyms for "ahold"?
Synonyms for "ahold" are less formal and include grab, catch, and snag.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
