Withheld: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Old English 'wiðholdan', which means 'to hold against' or 'to keep away'.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Germanic language family, where 'with' means 'against' or 'back'.
• The prefix 'with-' indicates opposition, showing a sense of support for the action of holding something back.

Legal Context

• In legal terms, withholding can refer to the non-disclosure of information or documents that are required during a legal proceeding.
• Tax regulations use the concept of withholding to manage income taxes before workers receive their paychecks.
• In contracts, a party may withhold performance if the other party fails to fulfill their obligations.

Psychology

• Withholding information can be a form of control in relationships, impacting trust and communication.
• Studies suggest that people often withhold their emotions to protect themselves or avoid conflict.
• The act of withholding can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety for the person who chooses to hold back.

Pop Culture

• The theme of withholding often appears in movies where a character must decide whether to share a secret that could change everything.
• Popular songs explore the feelings of wanting to be open while facing the temptation to withhold feelings from loved ones.
• In literature, characters may withhold their true intentions, creating suspense and intrigue in the story.

Education

• Teachers may withhold grades to encourage students to improve their performance.
• Withholding feedback can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in educational settings, affecting learning outcomes.
• In discussions, participants may withhold their opinions to gauge others' responses first.

At #7,287 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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