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withhold

verb

  1. to refrain from or deduct, holding back
L228446 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /wɪθˈhəʊld/ / /wɪðˈhəʊld/ / /wɪθˈhoʊld/

noun

Etymology: From Middle English withholden. Equivalent to with- + hold.

  1. An immoral action or condition (an overt) that has not been disclosed to others; the consciousness of such an action or condition.

    I was afraid to go into review for the help I needed because of the withholds I had against the organization, withholds acquired at the franchise: our late evening discussions, our kidding around at the expense of other Scientologists.

    Dianetics is concerned with purifying the individual of negative emotions, evil spirits, overts, and withholds.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English withholden. Equivalent to with- + hold.

  1. To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back to its owner.

    The bank withheld her credit card.

  2. To keep (information, assent etc) to oneself rather than revealing it.

    withhold vital information

    a withheld phone number

  3. To stay back, to refrain.

    I’ll withhold from asking about it.

    Do you wish to proceed with those down the line in that order? […] We’ll withhold for now.