withhold meaning and examples

Meaning

• Withhold means to deliberately keep back, refuse to give, or not allow something to be released or shared.
• It is often used when someone stops or delays giving money, information, emotions, or approval.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Verb (transitive)

• Basic patterns:

  • withhold something from someone → to refuse to give something
  • withhold + noun → to keep back or not disclose

Examples of usage:

• The company decided to withhold payment.
• She withheld the information from the police.

Common Phrases

• withhold payment – refuse to pay
• withhold consent – not allow or approve
• withhold information – not give details
• withhold support – refuse to help or endorse

Collocations

• withhold + information
• withhold + payment
• withhold + approval
• withhold + consent
• withhold + judgment
• withhold + support

Examples

1. The landlord decided to withhold the deposit until the damages were repaired.
2. He was accused of withholding important evidence from the court.
3. Parents should not withhold affection from their children.
4. The government chose to withhold certain documents for security reasons.
5. She couldn’t withhold her laughter any longer.
6. The company threatened to withhold his salary if he did not complete the project.
7. The manager decided to withhold judgment until all facts were presented.
8. He tried to withhold his anger during the meeting.

Synonyms or Related

• suppress
• conceal
• restrain
• retain
• keep back
• hold back

Antonym

• release
• give
• disclose
• reveal
• grant