HOLD CLOSE

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does hold close mean? 

• HOLD CLOSE (verb)
  The verb HOLD CLOSE has 1 sense:

1. hold firmly, usually with one's hands

  Familiarity information: HOLD CLOSE used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HOLD CLOSE (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Hold firmly, usually with one's hands

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

cling to; clutch; hold close; hold tight

Context example:

She clutched my arm when she got scared

Hypernyms (to "hold close" is one way to...):

hold; take hold (have or hold in one's hands or grip)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "hold close"):

cuddle; draw close; nest; nestle; nuzzle; snuggle (move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody