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

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".

From BBC

The company added that the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, missing or incorrect bank details, failure to return termination administration agreements within deadlines, and anti-money laundering checks.

From BBC

Last month, a judge ruled largely in Silver’s favor, saying the city must issue the permits it has been withholding.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, federal government workers withheld their consent earlier this year by ignoring Elon Musk’s time-wasting demand for weekly emails listing their accomplishments.

From Salon

The man had been held for months after an immigration judge granted him a withholding of removal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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