Main Entry:

with·hold

Pronunciation:

\with-ˈhōld, with-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

with·held \-ˈheld\ ; with·hold·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from with from + holden to hold — more at with

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: to hold back from action : check2archaic : to keep in custody3: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing <withhold permission>4: to deduct (withholding tax) from incomeintransitive verb: forbear, refrain <withhold from commenting>

synonyms see keep

— with·hold·er noun