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Definition of withhold

withhold

/wɪðˈhoʊld/
Past Simple:withheld
•
Past Participle:withheld
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Present Participle:withholding
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withhold Lexical Profile

withhold Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To refuse to give, grant, or disclose something that is due, desired, or expected.

Example

"The witness was accused of attempting to withhold crucial evidence from the court."

2

To deduct a specified amount from an employee's wages or salary for the payment of taxes or benefits.

Example

"Employers are legally required to withhold federal income tax from each paycheck."

3

To suppress or hold back an emotion, reaction, or judgment.

Example

"The committee decided to withhold judgment until all the audit results were finalized."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for withhold

• Nearby Words

withering
witheringly
withers
withhold
withholding
within
without

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English withholden, formed from the prefix with- (in its older Germanic sense of 'against' or 'away') and holden ('to hold'), literally meaning 'to hold back'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Withhold. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/withhold
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