withhold

/wɪðˈhəʊld/

to refuse to give or provide something

The company decided to withhold payment until the project was completed.

The company refused to pay until the work was finished.

general

to refuse to give, provide, or release something that is due or expected

The government may withhold tax refunds if there are outstanding debts.

The government can delay or refuse to return tax money if someone owes money.

She chose to withhold her opinion until she had all the facts.

She decided not to share her thoughts until she knew everything.

Often used in legal, financial, or formal contexts.

general

to keep back or retain something, often intentionally

He withheld his emotions, refusing to show any vulnerability.

He kept his feelings hidden and didn't show any weakness.

Can imply secrecy or restraint.

Collocations

withhold informationto intentionally not share detailswithhold paymentto refuse to pay money that is owedwithhold judgmentto delay making a decision or opinion

to delay making a decision or opinion

to refuse to pay money that is owed

Use 'withhold' in formal or legal contexts. In casual speech, 'refuse' or 'deny' may be more common.

In legal contexts, 'withhold' often implies a formal or official refusal to provide something, such as evidence or payment.

From Middle English 'withholden', from Old English 'wiþhealdan' (to hold against), from 'wiþ' (against) + 'healdan' (to hold).

Often used in formal or legal contexts, such as withholding taxes or withholding evidence in a court case.

with-

against or in opposition to

prefix

-hold

to keep or retain

root

English Dictionary