English Reference
verb · adjective

withheld

v. · adj.
US /wɪθˈhɛɫd/ UK /wɪðhˈɛld/ with·held

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to have kept something back instead of giving it to someone.

    v.the past tense of 'withhold', meaning to have refused to give or grant something that was due or requested.

    Simple

    The company withheld the employee's final paycheck until he returned the laptop.

    In context

    The authorities withheld the suspect's name from the press until the formal charges were filed in the high court.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'from' to indicate the person who did not receive the item.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    v.to have kept information or the truth hidden.

    v.to have refrained from disclosing information or evidence.

    Simple

    The witness withheld important details about the accident during the first interview.

    In context

    The prosecution argued that the defense had deliberately withheld evidence that was crucial to the jury's understanding of the motive.

    Usage

    Commonly used in legal or professional contexts regarding evidence or testimony.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.describes something that is being kept away or not shared.

    adj.describing something that has been kept back from the possession or knowledge of another.

    Simple

    The withheld information finally came out years after the trial ended.

    In context

    The report highlighted several instances of withheld payments that had caused significant financial distress to the subcontractors.

    Usage

    Usually sits before the noun it describes.

A total of 132 students have had their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results permanently withheld this year because of cheating in this year’s State exams.

BreakingNews.ie· 28 Aug 2026

The name of the sex worker was withheld during the court case.

Toronto Sun· 28 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated