Withheld

To withhold something means to keep it from being given or revealed. It implies a deliberate action of not providing access to information, resources, or items. This action is often performed for a specific reason, such as protection, caution, or control. The decision to withhold can be influenced by various factors including privacy, security concerns, or policy restrictions. It can apply to tangible objects or intangible information like secrets or payments.

Withheld meaning with examples

• The company withheld the full financial report from the public until all legal proceedings were finalized, citing concerns about potential market manipulation. This delayed release caused a wave of speculation amongst investors who had anticipated a positive outcome.
• During the investigation, the police withheld certain details about the crime scene, including the specific type of weapon used, to avoid giving the suspect any strategic advantage and ensuring the integrity of their investigation.
• She decided to *withhold* her opinion during the heated debate, believing that her remarks would only escalate the conflict, so instead she chose to be a neutral observer of the argument.
• The bank withheld the payment until the recipient provided proper verification, suspecting possible fraudulent activity in relation to the wire transfer and refusing to process it. This caused the supplier to delay the shipment of supplies