withhold — to refuse to give something that is expected or requested; to keep back or retain
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to refuse to give something that is expected or requested; to keep back or retain
Pronunciation (IPA): /wɪðˈhoʊld/
Example Sentences
- The magician decided to withhold the secret of his disappearing pizza trick.
- Parents often withhold dessert until children finish their vegetables.
- The witness chose to withhold testimony, claiming his pet parrot told him to stay quiet.
withhold
VERB[/wɪðˈhoʊld/]
to refuse to give something that is expected or requested; to keep back or retain
The manager decided to withhold the bonus until the project was finished.
What you withhold, we can only behold, waiting for truth to unfold
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'withholdan', combining the prefix 'with-' (meaning against or back) with 'holdan' (to hold). The word has been used since the 13th century to mean keeping something back or refusing to give.
Breakdown
with- (against, back) + hold (to keep, retain) + -en (verb suffix) = withhold
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magician decided to withhold the secret of his disappearing pizza trick.”
“Parents often withhold dessert until children finish their vegetables.”
“The witness chose to withhold testimony, claiming his pet parrot told him to stay quiet.”
“The bank will withhold funds until all documents are verified.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.