handhold

[ hand-hohld ]

noun

1. a grip with the hand or hands.
2. something to grip or take hold of, as a support or handle.

handhold

/ ˈhændˌhəʊld /

noun

1. an object, crevice, etc, that can be used as a grip or support, as in climbing
2. a grip or secure hold with the hand or hands

Word History and Origins

Origin of handhold¹

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + hold ¹

Example Sentences

Looking up, there are plenty of handholds and footholds made of side chains and protein pockets.

From Singularity Hub 

With a flashlight gripped in his teeth, Cook edged along the sloping ledges, groping for handholds.

From Outside Online

Despite the pressures and politics of their positions, observers describe a couple who seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company in a city where marital handholds, kisses and sleeping arrangements are picked apart for subtle signs of expediency.

From Washington Post

Then he went back, eased off the emergency brake, grabbed a good handhold and strained forward.

From Project Gutenberg

The reaction of the motion brought him slowly but surely to a handhold in the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

Wade decided suddenly to go into his room and stopped himself by grabbing a handhold.

From Project Gutenberg

Under every carefully worked out step there was solid stone, for every handhold there was a firm stake set.

From Project Gutenberg

With desperate haste, Penny obtained another handhold which seemed fairly firm.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constraint
• grasp
• restraint