Withhold

To withhold means to suppress, hold back, or keep something from being given, disclosed, or released. This can apply to information, emotions, physical objects, or even actions. The act of withholding often implies a deliberate decision to not share something that is expected or desired by another party. It can stem from a variety of motivations, including secrecy, control, protection, or even manipulation. The context in which withholding occurs is crucial to understanding its implications and ethical considerations.

Withhold meaning with examples

• The company decided to withhold the information about the product's defects from the public until they could come up with a solution, hoping to minimize any potential backlash.
• She chose to withhold her true feelings about the proposal, fearing it would damage her working relationship with her team despite the concerns she held.
• The government was accused of withholding crucial documents that would shed light on the controversial policy, raising questions of transparency and accountability.
• He was so angry that he couldn't help but withhold his affection from his daughter, despite knowing how much it would hurt her after the silly misunderstanding.