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Determined at first to hold back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deter

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'hold back' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for deter that I've seen before include "Check" , "Prevent by instilling fear" , "stop" , "'Discourage, dissuade (5)'" , "Discourage through fear of consequences" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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