I barely restrained the impulse to strike him.
- J'ai failli ne pas pouvoir me retenir de le frapper.
He tried to restrain his anger.
- Il a essayé de retenir sa colère.
The girl tried hard to hold back her tears.
- La fille s'efforçait de retenir ses larmes.
He sings so well that it's impossible to hold back tears.
- Il chante tellement bien qu'il est impossible de retenir ses larmes.
He tried to keep back his tears.
- Il essaya de retenir ses larmes.