Meaning & Definition of Holdup in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: An act of robbery or theft, especially using force or intimidation.

  Example Sentence: The bank was the target of a holdup last night.

• Definition: A delay or obstruction in progress or a situation.

  Example Sentence: There was a holdup in traffic due to the accident.

• Definition: A specific time of delay, especially caused by a circumstance or event.

  Example Sentence: They experienced a holdup because of the bad weather.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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

Translations

• Spanish: sujeción

• French: braquage

• German: Überfall

• Russian: ограбление

Related Words

• 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

Slang Meanings of holdup

• Meaning: to stop someone suddenly

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

• Meaning: to cause a delay

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