withhold Definition
- 1refuse to give (something that is due to or is desired by another)
- 2keep back; suppress (a feeling or reaction)
Using withhold: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "withhold" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company withheld his final paycheck.
Example
She withheld information from the police.
Example
I can't withhold my excitement for the concert tonight!
withhold Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with withhold
to refrain from making a decision or forming an opinion about something until more information is available
Example
I think we should withhold judgment until we have all the facts.
Example
The prosecutor accused the defendant of withholding evidence.
Example
The tenants decided to withhold rent until the landlord fixed the broken plumbing.
Origins of withhold
Old English 'wiðhealdan', from 'wið' meaning 'against' and 'healdan' meaning 'to hold'
Summary: withhold in Brief
'Withhold' [wɪðˈhəʊld] means to refuse to give something that is due or desired by another, or to suppress a feeling or reaction. It can be used in various contexts, such as withholding payment or information, or withholding judgment until more information is available. 'Withhold' is often used in legal or formal situations, and can also be used informally to mean keeping something to oneself.