Afhouden

Afhouden is a Dutch verb meaning to prevent, withhold, deter, or refrain. It is formed from the prefix af-meaning away or off and the verb houden, to hold or keep. The combination expresses the notion of keeping something back or turning away from a course of action. The term appears in general Dutch and is found in both everyday language and formal contexts.

The primary sense concerns abstaining or refraining from doing something. In this use, afhouden denotes choosing not to engage in a particular action. Examples include situations like keeping to a diet or avoiding a temptation: “Tijdens de vastenperiode hield hij af van alcohol.” Another common form is afhouden van iets, meaning to refrain from that thing.

A second sense relates to keeping something back or preventing access. In this sense, afhouden can describe actions that deter or prevent people or things from approaching or entering a space. For instance, security measures can afhouden bezoekers van een terrein, or a barrier can afhouden honden van een tuin.

A third sense appears in administrative or financial language as withholding or deducting money. In such context, afhouding refers to money that is kept back from a payment, such as loon of salaris. An example is de afhouding van loonbelasting en premies van het salaris.

Etymology and related terms: af- is the prefix meaning away or off, and houden is to hold. Related words include tegenhouden (to hold back), onthouden (to remember or abstain), and afhouding (the act of withholding).

See also: af- prefix, houden, tegenhouden, onthouden, afhouding.