To be regarded with a large amount of respect or admiration. I'll go see if I can persuade the committee, for I am held in high esteem among them. Mr. Ross has always been held in high esteem for all his charity work.

To have a large amount of respect or admiration for someone. I'll go see if I can persuade the committee—they hold me in high esteem. I've always held my father in high esteem for his hard work to provide for us.