C1verbformallawmoney
US/wɪðˈhoʊld/
UK/wɪðˈhəʊld/
to refuse to give something, or to keep information or money back on purpose
In context
The company decided to withhold the report until the investigation was finished.
She withheld her payment because the work was not completed properly.
Tax is withheld from your salary before it reaches your bank account.
Words that go with withhold
verb + noun
- withhold informationThe witness withheld information from the police.
- withhold paymentThey threatened to withhold payment until the problem was fixed.
- withhold consentA parent may withhold consent for the trip.
- withhold taxEmployers must withhold tax from wages.
verb + preposition
- withhold fromHe withheld the truth from his family.
adverb + verb
- deliberately withholdDo not deliberately withhold important facts.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He withheld to tell me the truth.Correct: He withheld the truth from me.
Incorrect:
The bank withholded my money.Correct: The bank withheld my money.