# withhold

/wɪθˈhoʊɫd/ (US) · /wɪðhˈəʊld/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/withhold
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to keep back information

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to refuse to tell someone something or to keep a secret.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to refuse to give or pay

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to not give someone something that they expect to receive, like money or permission.

For teachers: to hold back or deduct something that is due or requested, such as payment, taxes, or support.

- 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.

## Examples

- The bank decided to withhold the payment until they verified his identity.
- The witness was accused of trying to withhold vital information from the police during the investigation.
- Under the new tax regulations, employers are required to withhold a specific percentage of each employee's salary to cover federal income tax obligations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.