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Definition of handhold

handhold

/ˈhænd.hoʊld/
hand · hold
Plural:handholds
•
Past Simple:handheld
•
Past Participle:handheld
•
Present Participle:handholding
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handhold Lexical Profile

handhold Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Something for a hand to grip, or the act of gripping something with the hand, especially when climbing.

Example

"The climber searched the sheer rock face for a secure handhold."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for handhold

• verb

1

To provide close, step-by-step guidance, reassurance, or support to someone through a difficult or unfamiliar task.

Example

"Senior managers do not have time to handhold new recruits through every basic assignment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for handhold
Antonyms
View all antonyms for handhold

• Nearby Words

handgrip
handgun
handheld
handhold
handholding
handicap
handicapped

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Handhold. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/handhold
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