withhold
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
(tr) to keep back; refrain from giving
he withheld his permission
-
(tr) to hold back; restrain
-
(tr) to deduct (taxes, etc) from a salary or wages
-
to refrain or forbear
Related Words
See keep.
Other Word Forms
- unwithheld adjective
- withholder noun
Etymology
Origin of withhold
First recorded in 1150–1200, withhold is from the Middle English word withholden. See with-, hold 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But former law enforcement officials told the BBC that judgements from both sides of the argument should have been withheld until a full investigation had been completed.
From BBC
The hospital's name has been withheld to protect the identity of the medic.
From BBC
Some have filed lawsuits against the California Fair Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, accusing it of illegally withholding smoke-damage payments.
From Los Angeles Times
Police leaders were found to have spread false narratives about that disaster, blaming Liverpool fans, and withheld evidence of their own failings.
From BBC
Neff also allegedly withheld information about potential biases in the case from a grand jury, according to the two officials.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
