hold

(DOD, NATO) 1. A cargo stowage compartment aboard ship. 2. To maintain or retain possession of by force, as a position or an area. 3. In an attack, to exert sufficient pressure to prevent movement or redisposition of enemy forces. 4. As applied to air traffic, to keep an aircraft within a specified space or location which is identified by visual or other means in accordance with Air Traffic Control instructions. See also fix; retain.