verb

withhold

to withhold, to keep back, to refuse to give

They decided to withhold payment.

They decided to withhold payment.

She was accused of withholding evidence from the police.

She was accused of withholding evidence from the police.

((sth.)) to refuse to give (sth.) They decided to withhold payment.

((sth.)) from ((sb.)) to refuse to give (sth.) to (sb.) She withheld the information from her boss.

Synonyms: keep back, retain, reserve; Antonyms: provide, grant, release

Composed of 'with-' (away, back) + 'hold'. It literally means 'to hold back' something and not give it away.

Think of 'holding' something and keeping it 'with' you, not giving it to someone else.

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