Phrase guide

hold one's nose

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To pinch one's nostrils closed with one's fingers, usually to block out an unpleasant smell.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To reluctantly overcome one's revulsion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pidellä nenäänsä — to pinch one's nostrils closed with one's fingers
  • Polish: zatykać nos — to pinch one's nostrils closed with one's fingers
  • Polish: zatkać nos — to pinch one's nostrils closed with one's fingers
  • Polish: zatykać nos — to reluctantly overcome one's revulsion
  • Polish: zatkać nos — to reluctantly overcome one's revulsion