ENGLISH
REFERENCE

withhold

v.
C1 Advanced US //wɪθˈhoʊɫd// UK //wɪðhˈəʊld// with·hold

v. to refuse to give something to someone or to keep it for yourself. You might do this with information, money, or your permission.

v. to refuse to give or grant something; to keep back or restrain. Often used in legal or financial contexts regarding information or payments.


SIMPLE

The bank decided to withhold the payment until they verified his identity.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness was accused of trying to withhold vital information from the police during the investigation.

COMPLEX

Under the new tax regulations, employers are required to withhold a specific percentage of each employee's salary to cover federal income tax obligations.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English withholden. Equivalent to with- + hold.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. Often used with the preposition 'from' when specifying the recipient.

Pitfall

He withheld from me the truth.He withheld the truth from me.The direct object should typically follow the verb immediately before the prepositional phrase.

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