Definition of HOLD OFF. transitive verb. 1. : to block from an objective: delay. 2. 3. : to fight to a standoff: withstand. intransitive verb.: to defer or temporarily stop doing something. See hold off defined for kids.efinition of HOLD OFF. transitive verb. 1. : to block from an objective: delay. 2. 3. : to fight to a standoff: withstand. intransitive verb.