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 verb 1 : to hold back from action : check
2 archaic : to keep in custody
3 : 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