Hold sb down Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

What Does “Hold sb down” Mean?

“Hold sb down” is a phrasal verb that means to physically restrain someone or to limit someone’s freedom or progress.

Introduction

The phrase “hold sb down” has different meanings depending on the context. It can mean physically keeping someone still, often by force. For example, when helping a child stay still for a medical check or in a physical struggle. It can also mean limiting someone’s opportunities or progress, like holding someone back from success. Understanding the hold sb down meaning is essential because it is commonly used in both everyday conversations and written English. This phrase can describe physical actions or emotional and social situations where someone is being restricted or controlled.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: hold somebody down
• Type: transitive
• Level: B1
• Short meaning: to keep someone physically or mentally restrained or limited

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Hold sb down” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it needs a direct object (sb = somebody).

• It is inseparable. You cannot place the object between “hold” and “down”.
• Correct: hold somebody down
• Incorrect: hold down somebody

Pattern: hold + somebody + down

How to Use “Hold sb down”?

You use “hold sb down” when talking about physically controlling someone or preventing them from moving freely. It can also be used figuratively to describe situations where someone is being restricted or prevented from achieving something. This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts but usually carries a serious or negative tone when used figuratively.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “hold sb down in a sentence”:

• The nurse had to hold the child down to give the injection.
• During the fight, the police officers held the suspect down until backup arrived.
• Don’t let anyone hold you down from reaching your dreams.
• Some employees feel their manager holds them down with unnecessary rules.
• She refused to let her past mistakes hold her down.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse the word order or use it incorrectly when trying to express the idea of restricting someone.

• Incorrect: hold down somebody
• Correct: hold somebody down
• Incorrect: I was hold down by my fears.
• Correct: I was held down by my fears.

Remember: The phrase is inseparable and always requires the object between “hold” and “down”. Also, in past tense, use “held down”.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases can cause confusion. For example, “hold back” or “keep down” may seem close but have different meanings.

• Hold back: to stop someone from doing something, usually emotionally or mentally.
• Keep down: to prevent something from rising or increasing, or to suppress.
• Hold sb down: focuses more on physical restraint or preventing progress.

While “hold sb down” often implies a stronger or physical restriction, “hold back” is more about emotional or mental control.

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “hold sb down” and their meanings:

• Hold a child down: physically keep a child still.
• Hold a suspect down: restrain someone during arrest.
• Hold someone down at work: prevent professional growth.
• Hold someone down emotionally: limit someone’s confidence or freedom.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of hold sb down:

• Hold On To Sb
• Hold Sth Down
• Hold On To Sth
• Hold Sth Up As Sth
• Hold Off Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “hold sb down”:

Anna: Did you see how the security guards held that man down?

Ben: Yes, they had to stop him from running away.

Anna: It looked serious, but they were careful not to hurt him.

Ben: Sometimes, you have to hold someone down to keep everyone safe.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct phrase:

• During the surgery, the nurse had to ______ the patient ______ to prevent movement.
• Don’t let fear ______ you ______ from trying new things.
• The police were forced to ______ the suspect ______ until help arrived.

Answers: hold somebody down, hold you down, hold somebody down

FAQs

• What does “hold sb down” mean? It means to physically restrain someone or prevent them from progressing.
• Is “hold sb down” separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
• Can “hold sb down” be used figuratively? Yes, it can mean limiting someone’s freedom or success.
• What is the past tense of “hold sb down”? The past tense is “held sb down.”
• Is “hold sb down” formal or informal? It can be used in both, but it often sounds serious or negative.