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

I tested every handhold for loose rocks and moved only in the thunderclaps of cannon fire as they echoed in the gorge.

From Literature

“The beauty of ice is since you have these spikes on your feet and in your hands, you can make your handholds and footholds anywhere you choose.”

From Los Angeles Times

Although a fall from that height would have been very bad, there were endless handholds and I never felt unsafe.

From Seattle Times

They prefer climbing onto freight cars, which have flat tops with ladders and railings that offer handholds.

From Seattle Times

Marilyn Mason provides the wing walkers about three hours of training on the ground, where they learn the footholds and handholds used to climb across the airframe, and how to secure the harness on top.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• constraint 
• grasp 
• restraint