1 to refuse to tell someone (something): The police were convinced that the man was holding something back.
az: gizlə(t)mək
ru: утаивать
2 to prevent from happening, being seen etc , with an effort: The little girl succeeded in holding back her tears.
az: saxlamaq
ru: сдерживать
3 to prevent from making progress: I meant to finish cleaning the house, but the children have held me back all morning.
az: mane olmaq
ru: мешать