1. To brace oneself and maintain one's position during or when anticipating an attack. The other team's offense was incredibly aggressive, but our defense held their ground. Despite the guy's size, I managed to hold my ground during the fight.

2. To refuse to yield, compromise, or be belittled; to stand up against an attack or insult. The boss scoffed at her idea initially, but she held her ground and explained it in greater detail. He kept offering me less money, but I held my ground and got the full asking price.