Withhold

/wɪθˈhəʊld/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back to its owner..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back to its owner.
2. (transitive) To keep (information, assent etc) to oneself rather than revealing it.
3. (intransitive) To stay back, to refrain.
4. (Scientology) An immoral action or condition (an overt) that has not been disclosed to others; the consciousness of such an action or condition.

Example Sentences

The bank withheld her credit card.

withhold vital information

a withheld phone number

I’ll withhold from asking about it.

Do you wish to proceed with those down the line in that order? […] We’ll withhold for now.

On the assumption that a vast majority of readers also enjoy writing, I could not withhold from asking the expert for some advice.

Maria Goldberg, marketing director for Great Southern Restaurants, said The Fish House in Pensacola, so far, has been able to withhold from raising menu prices.

I was afraid to go into review for the help I needed because of the withholds I had against the organization, withholds acquired at the franchise: our late evening discussions, our kidding around at the expense of other Scientologists.

Synonyms for withhold

Antonyms for withhold

Related Words

Word Forms

• withholds
• withholding
• withheld
• withholden
• with-hold

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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