Find the word definition

Wiktionary
holds back

vb. (en-third-person singular of: hold back)

Usage examples of "holds back".

He looks so pathetic that Shaftoe considers offering him some m-m-m-morphine, which induces a mild nausea of its own but holds back the greater nausea of seasickness.

He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call a real driver.