withhold
- 01 C1 Advanced
to refuse to tell someone something or to keep a secret.
to deliberately refrain from revealing or disclosing information, evidence, or assent.
Simple“The police believe the witness is withholding important information about the crime.”
In context“The journalist was accused of withholding vital evidence that could have cleared the defendant during the initial trial.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'from' when mentioning the person not receiving the information.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to not give someone something that they expect to receive, like money or permission.
to hold back or deduct something that is due or requested, such as payment, taxes, or support.
Simple“The company decided to withhold his final paycheck until he returned the laptop.”
In context“Under current tax law, employers are required to withhold a specific percentage of each employee's earnings for federal income tax.”
UsageCommonly used in financial contexts regarding taxes or salary deductions.
“Days before the vote, however, Trump pledged to pardon Hernandez and threatened to withhold aid from Honduras.”
“He also threatened to withhold funding from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport unless it dropped plans for ablution stations, the washing facilities Muslims use before prayer.”
From Middle English withholden. Equivalent to with- + hold.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.