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withhold definition

with·hold (wit̸h hōld′, wit̸h-)

transitive verb withheld -·held′, withholding -·hold′·ing

    1. to hold back; keep back; restrain
    2. ☆ to take out or deduct (taxes, etc.) from wages or salary
  2. to refrain from granting, permitting, etc.; refuse

Etymology: ME withholden: see with- & hold,

intransitive verb

to refrain; forbear

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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