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Withhold: meaning, definitions and examples

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withhold

 

[ wɪðˈhəʊld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in legal terms

To hold back; to keep from being disclosed or revealed. To refuse to provide or give something.

Synonyms

conceal, retain, suppress

Examples of usage

  • He decided to withhold the evidence until the trial.
  • The company withheld information about the merger from the public.
  • The government can withhold certain documents for security reasons.
Context #2 | Verb

in financial terms

To deduct or retain money for a specific purpose, such as taxes or payments.

Synonyms

deduct, deduct, retain

Examples of usage

  • The employer will withhold a portion of your salary for taxes.
  • The bank may withhold funds until a check clears.

Translations

Translations of the word "withhold" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reter

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 zurückhalten

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 утримувати

🇵🇱 wstrzymywać

🇯🇵 保留する (ほりゅうする)

🇫🇷 retenir

🇪🇸 retener

🇹🇷 alıkoymak

🇰🇷 보류하다

🇸🇦 يحتفظ

🇨🇿 zadržet

🇸🇰 zadržať

🇨🇳 保留 (bǎoliú)

🇸🇮 zadržati

🇮🇸 halda aftur

🇰🇿 ұстап қалу

🇬🇪 შეკავება

🇦🇿 saxlamaq

🇲🇽 retener

Word origin

The word 'withhold' originated from the Middle English 'witholden', which means 'to hold back, retain'. The prefix 'with-' implies 'back' or 'away', while 'hold' refers to the act of keeping or retaining. Over time, the term evolved to its current usage in legal and financial contexts.

See also: held, hold, holder, holders, holding, holdings, holdup, uphold, upholding, withholding.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,620 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.