Holds out (7)
I believe the answer is:
extends
'holds out' is the definition.
('extend' can be a synonym of 'hold out')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for extends that I've seen before include "Stretches out over a distance" , "holds out" , "Reaches or stretches out, say the hand of friendship" , "Lengthens" , "Enlarges" .)