verb
Uncommon
withhold
wihth-HOHLD
Withhold (verb) means to refuse to give, share, or reveal something. Example: “The company withheld the report until the investigation was complete.”
verb
1
To refuse to give, share, or reveal something.
"The company withheld the report until the investigation was complete."
"She withheld her opinion until she had heard both sides."
How to use withhold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold something back instead of giving or sharing it.
Common mistake
Spelled with a double "h" — with-hold, not "withold."
Common pairings
withhold information
withhold consent
withhold judgment
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Word forms
- Plural
- withholds
- Third person singular
- withholds
- Past tense
- withheld, withholden
Etymology
From Middle English withholden, formed from with- ("back") plus hold.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “withhold” mean?
The word “withhold” means to refuse to give, share, or reveal something. In plain terms, to hold something back instead of giving or sharing it.
How do you pronounce “withhold”?
“Withhold” is pronounced wihth-HOHLD (/wɪθˈhoʊld/ in IPA).
How do you use “withhold” in a sentence?
Here is “withhold” used in a sentence: “The company withheld the report until the investigation was complete.”
What part of speech is “withhold”?
“Withhold” is a verb.
Where does the word “withhold” come from?
The word “withhold” comes from Middle English. From Middle English withholden, formed from with- ("back") plus hold.
Is “withhold” a common word?
“Withhold” is an uncommon word in modern English.
