withhold

[wɪðˈhəʊld]

withhold Definition

• 1. refuse to give (something that is due to or is desired by another)
• 2. keep 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

Synonyms for withhold

• retain
• refuse
• deny
• keep back
• hold back

Antonyms for withhold

• release
• give
• grant

Phrases with withhold

• withhold judgment

  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.

• withhold evidence

  to keep back or conceal evidence that could be used in a legal case

  Example

  The prosecutor accused the defendant of withholding evidence.

• withhold rent

  to refuse to pay rent as a form of protest or because of a dispute with the landlord

  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'

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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.