holding
UK: ˈhəʊldɪŋ | US: ˈhoʊldɪŋ
n. the act of grasping or retaining something
n. (finance) assets owned, such as stocks or property
n. (sports) a foul in which a player illegally impedes an opponent
The word "holding" originates from Old English healdan, meaning "to grasp or keep." The root hold has Germanic roots, linked to Dutch houden and German halten. The suffix -ing transforms the verb into a noun, denoting either the action (e.g., "holding a pen") or its result (e.g., "a real estate holding"). Over time, the term expanded into finance and sports, reflecting its core idea of control or possession.
She tightened her holding on the rope to avoid falling.
The company’s stock holdings increased by 15% this quarter.
The referee penalized the player for holding during the match.
His art collection is his most valuable holding.
The court ruled the land holding invalid due to disputed ownership.