withhold

American  

[with-hohld, with-] / wɪθˈhoʊld, wɪð- /

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 British  

/ 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

---

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

Many names have been fully or partially withheld.

From Barron's

The name of the victim is being withheld until her next of kin has been informed.

From BBC

He withholds his approval to keep the paler, smaller man anxious.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the Social Security Administration withholds a portion of benefits for individuals whose income is higher than certain thresholds before their full retirement age.

From MarketWatch

The states alleged in their lawsuit, filed in New York’s southern district, that the federal government was illegally withholding billions in funds already committed to the project.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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