zurückhalten

Zurückhalten is a German verb with several related meanings centered on preventing progress or release. It can mean to hold back or withhold something from someone, to restrain oneself, or to detain someone. The term is used in both physical and abstract senses, from preventing an action to withholding information or money. In everyday language, zurückhalten can also describe emotional restraint, such as choosing not to react or speak.

Etymology and grammar: zurückhalten combines the prefix zurück- (back, away) with halten (to hold). It is a separable verb in finite tenses, as in Ich halte dich zurück or Wir halten ihn zurück. The infinitive is zurückhalten, written as one word, and the past participle is zurückgehalten, used with haben in compound tenses (ich habe ihn zurückgehalten). The reflexive form sich zurückhalten means to refrain from doing something (Ich halte mich zurück; Ich habe mich zurückgehalten).

Common uses and examples: To withhold something: Sie hielt Geld zurück. To withhold information: Die Behörde hielt wichtige Informationen zurück. To detain or hold someone back: Der Wachmann hielt den Verdächtigen zurück. Referring to self-restraint: Er hält sich bei heiklen Themen zurück. In professional or formal contexts, zurückhalten often implies a deliberate choice not to disclose or act immediately.

See also: Related verbs include festhalten (to hold firmly or to cling), aufhalten (to hold open or stop), and abhalten (to deter or keep someone from doing something). The nuances differ by context, but all share the core idea of preventing movement, release, or action.