To hold out means to resist or refuse to give in, even when facing pressure or difficulty. When a castle under siege holds out against attacking forces, the defenders keep fighting despite hunger and danger. When a union holds out for better wages during a negotiation, its members refuse to accept the company's offer until they get what they believe is fair.

The phrase captures a quality of stubborn endurance. A tired runner might hold out until crossing the finish line. Someone lost in the woods might hold out hope that rescuers will find them. In each case, the person keeps going despite hardship or temptation.

Hold out can also mean to extend something toward someone, like when you hold out your hand to shake or hold out a gift to a friend.

People sometimes use holdout as a noun for someone who refuses to go along with everyone else. If eleven players agree to a team decision but one disagrees, that player is the holdout. The word suggests both determination and, sometimes, stubbornness.