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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

withheld past tense, withholden past tense, withholds plural, withholds singular

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Etymology

From Middle English withholden, formed from with- ("back") plus hold.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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deduct recoup keep back

Related words

remove regain retrieve salvage derive infer deduct subtract

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.

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remove regain retrieve salvage derive infer deduct subtract