Withhold

Withhold is a verb meaning to hold back or refrain from giving something that could be given. It can refer to money, information, consent, or actions, and may be used transitively (to withhold something) or intransitively (to withhold, as in withholding judgment). Etymology: from Old English wiþhældan or withholdan, from wiþ 'against' and holdan 'to hold'. The sense of keeping back dates to early modern English.

Common uses include law, governance, finance, medicine, and everyday speech. In law and public administration, withholding may refer to withholding information, evidence, or state funds. In government finance, withholding tax is the system by which a payer retains tax from wages or payments and remits it to the authority. In payroll, withholdings are deductions such as income tax, social security, or retirement contributions, reducing net pay.

In medical ethics, withholding treatment refers to choosing not to provide a procedure or therapy, often after evaluation of benefits, risks, and patient preferences. In personal and organizational contexts, people may withhold consent, approval, or disclosure until conditions are met or disputes are resolved. The concept emphasizes voluntary restraint and can have legal or ethical implications when rights to information, autonomy, or timely payment are involved.

See also withholding, withholding tax, retention, disclosure. Withholding contrasts with granting, releasing, or disclosing. The term remains common across law, finance, and everyday language.