withhold
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to hold back; refrain.
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to deduct withholding tax.
verb
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(tr) to keep back; refrain from giving
he withheld his permission
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(tr) to hold back; restrain
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(tr) to deduct (taxes, etc) from a salary or wages
-
to refrain or forbear
Synonym Usage
See keep.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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withholdsimple
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withholdssimple
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have withheldperfect
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has withheldperfect
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am withholdingprogressive
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are withholdingprogressive
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is withholdingprogressive
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have been withholdingperfect progressive
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has been withholdingperfect progressive
Past
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withheldsimple
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had withheldperfect
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was withholdingprogressive
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were withholdingprogressive
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had been withholdingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of withhold
First recorded in 1150–1200, withhold is from the Middle English word withholden. See with-, hold 1
Explanation
If you keep something back and don't share it, you withhold it. You can withhold things such as permission, emotion, or information. You might get into trouble if you withhold information from your parents or the police. The verb withhold means to deduct from a payment and hold back. Your job will withhold money from your paycheck for things like taxes. You may also choose to withhold money from your check for healthcare, retirement, and numerous other voluntary accounts. The past tense of the verb withhold is withheld. Withhold is spelled with a double h because it is made by combining the words with and hold.
Vocabulary lists containing withhold
The Pearl
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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z
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"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III
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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.
While the Tates have been made aware of the charges, the CPS decided it was necessary to withhold the names of their accusers until they are back in the UK and legal action formally starts.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
But Ravi has the discretionary power to withhold it, and some 250 residents, including Indians -- who are not allowed to work outside -- no longer receive it, according to Auroville's official community website.
From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026
You must act: The SSA will automatically withhold 50% of your benefit each month after that 30-day window until the amount it says you owe has been repaid.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026
That law, passed in 1974 in the wake of disputes with President Richard Nixon, restricts the president’s authority to withhold, or impound, funds approved by Congress.
From Salon • Jun. 23, 2026
I give to some only so I can withhold from others.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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.
