Holdup

ˈhoʊlˌdʌp

Meaning & Definition

noun

A delay or obstruction.

There was a holdup in traffic due to an accident on the highway.

A robbery, especially one involving the use of force or threats.

The bank experienced a holdup, and the robbers got away with a large sum of money.

verb

To delay or cause to be delayed.

Don't let a minor problem holdup your progress on the project.

The term holdup stems from the combination of 'hold' and 'up', implying a stopping or hindrance.

holdup in traffic

a delay experienced on the road due to congestion or an event

holdup at the bank

a robbery that takes place at a financial institution

put on hold

to delay an action or decision temporarily

delay

an interval of time between events

robbery

the act of taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat

traffic jam

a situation in which a large number of vehicles are unable to move or move very slowly

to stop someone suddenly

He holdup-ed me for my phone when I was walking home.

to cause a delay

Sorry I'm late, I got holdup-ed at the grocery store.