Withholding

The act of retaining something that is due or expected, often information, money, or an action. This can occur due to various reasons, including a desire for privacy, to gain a tactical advantage, or because of a perceived lack of entitlement. It implies a deliberate choice to not provide something, leading to potential consequences dependent on the context of the act. The item being withheld might be physical or abstract, such as a paycheck or emotional support.

Withholding meaning with examples

• The company was accused of withholding crucial safety data from its employees, potentially endangering their well-being. This led to a government investigation and substantial fines, highlighting the severe repercussions of a lack of transparency and a disregard for human safety that left many feeling frustrated and unsafe in their position.
• During the negotiation, the union representative considered withholding their final offer until the last possible moment to maximize their leverage. The decision was seen by management as a bargaining tactic, which they were accustomed to from similar scenarios when negotiating labor contracts in the past.
• Despite her friend's pleas, she chose to withhold information about the surprise party planned for their mutual acquaintance's birthday. She wanted the reveal to be a genuine surprise, building excitement through its own delayed anticipation, giving her a chance to make more of an impact with her gift.
• The government implemented a tax withholding system to deduct taxes directly from employee paychecks. This simplifies the tax process for individuals by removing some paperwork to file while ensuring revenue for public services, and providing stability to the government's cash flow.