hold

When you hold something, you put it in your hand and keep it there.

Example: He held the pen tightly as he wrote the letter.

When you hold something, you keep it in one place and do not let it move away.

Example: The police hold people who do crimes in prison.

If you hold someone accountable/responsible/liable, you put the responsibility for something on them.

Example: It's not clear if parents should be held responsible for the problems their children cause.

If something holds true/good, it is or continues to be true.

Example: The drug extends life for mice. If this holds true in humans as well, it will be a great advance.

If you hold somebody prisoner/hostage/captive, you do not allow them to go free.

Example: Police in Luxembourg say a gunman holding 29 children hostage is demanding a mini-bus to take him to the airport.