Holdup

Pronunciation: /ˈhoʊldʌp/

Definitions of holdup

noun a robbery or theft carried out with the use of force or threat of force

Example Sentences

A1 There was a holdup at the bank yesterday.

A2 The holdup caused a delay in the train schedule.

B1 The store experienced a holdup last week, but no one was hurt.

B2 The police quickly responded to the holdup and apprehended the suspect.

C1 The investigation revealed that the holdup was part of a larger criminal operation.

C2 The hostages were freed unharmed after the successful resolution of the holdup.

Examples of holdup in a Sentence

formal The bank was closed due to a holdup earlier today.

informal There was a holdup at the grocery store, so I had to wait in line for a long time.

slang I can't believe there was a holdup at the gas station last night!

figurative The project was delayed because of a holdup in funding.

Grammatical Forms of holdup

• past tense: held
• plural: holdups
• comparative: more holdup
• superlative: most holdup
• present tense: holdup
• future tense: will holdup
• perfect tense: have held up
• continuous tense: is holding up
• singular: holdup
• positive degree: holdup
• infinitive: to holdup
• gerund: holding up
• participle: held up

Origin and Evolution of holdup

First Known Use: 1837 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'holdup' originated in the United States during the 19th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a robbery or a delay, the word 'holdup' has evolved to also mean a delay or interruption in progress or a situation in which someone or something is held back or delayed.