withhold

[with-hohld, with-]

verb (used with object)

withheld, withholding 

1. to hold back; restrain or check.

   Synonyms: repress, suppress
   Antonyms: advance

2. to refrain from giving or granting.

   to withhold payment.

   Synonyms: repress, suppress
   Antonyms: advance

3. to collect (taxes) at the source of income.

4. to deduct (withholding tax) from an employee's salary or wages.

verb (used without object)

withheld, withholding 

1. to hold back; refrain.

2. to deduct withholding tax.

withhold

/ wɪðˈhəʊld /

verb

1. (tr) to keep back; refrain from giving

   he withheld his permission

2. (tr) to hold back; restrain

3. (tr) to deduct (taxes, etc) from a salary or wages

4. to refrain or forbear

Other Word Forms

• withholder noun
• unwithheld adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of withhold¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, withhold is from the Middle English word withholden. See with-, hold ¹

Synonym Study

See keep.

Example Sentences

After Judge Thomas M. Durkin ordered that withheld payments be sent to clients immediately, Lira continued to cover for Girardi, who failed to distribute the funds.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A hearing to decide whether the statement should be withheld from the jury will take place in due course.

Read more on BBC

Number 10's press secretary said on Monday "the suggestion that the government withheld evidence, withdrew witnesses or restricted the ability of a witness to draw on a particular bit of evidence are all untrue".

Read more on BBC

Department of Education was forced to send out a final chunk of funds it had attempted to withhold from schools.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Number 10's press secretary said "the suggestion that the government withheld evidence, withdrew witnesses or restricted the ability of a witness to draw on a particular bit of evidence are all untrue".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• conceal 
• deduct 
• deny 
• detain 
• hide 
• keep 
• refuse 
• resist 
• retain 
• suppress