idiom

Hold to account

hohld tuh ah-KOWNT

/hoʊld tə əˈkaʊnt/

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

holdtoaccount

Dictionary meaning

To require someone to explain and take responsibility for their actions, especially when those actions have caused harm or fallen short of expected standards.

Examples

Civil society organisations play a vital role in holding corporations to account for environmental damage.
Without mechanisms to hold officials to account, corruption flourishes.

Synonyms: hold accountable, make answerable

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