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[hold off]
{v.} 1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly.
The president's high rank
and chilly manner held people off.
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE. 1b. To be rather
shy or unfriendly.
Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from people.
Compare: KEEPAT A DISTANCE. 2. To keep away by fighting; oppose by force.
Theman locked himself in the house and held off the police for an hour.
3. To
wait before (doing something); postpone; delay.
Jack held offpaying for the
television set until the dealer fixed it.
Mr. Smithheld off from building
while interest rates were high.
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