Word
withhold
Phoneticswith·hold, stress on the second syllable
US/wɪθˈhoʊɫd/
UK/wɪðhˈəʊld/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
withhold
Past
withheld
Past participle
withheld
Definitions
01to keep back information
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to refuse to tell someone something or to keep a secret.
v. to deliberately refrain from revealing or disclosing information, evidence, or assent.
“The police believe the witness is withholding important information about the crime.”
“The journalist was accused of withholding vital evidence that could have cleared the defendant during the initial trial.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'from' when mentioning the person not receiving the information.
02to refuse to give or pay
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to not give someone something that they expect to receive, like money or permission.
v. to hold back or deduct something that is due or requested, such as payment, taxes, or support.
Español:retener
“The company decided to withhold his final paycheck until he returned the laptop.”
“Under current tax law, employers are required to withhold a specific percentage of each employee's earnings for federal income tax.”
Usage
Commonly used in financial contexts regarding taxes or salary deductions.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Middle English withholden. Equivalent to with- + hold.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/withhold
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0