zurückhält

zurückhält is the third-person singular present tense form of the German verb zurückhalten, which means to withhold, hold back, or restrain. The verb is separable; in many sentences the prefix zurück is separated and placed at the end, as in er hält etwas zurück. It can also be used reflexively with sich zurückhalten, meaning to refrain from doing something or to exercise self-restraint.

In use, zurückhalten can describe withholding information, resources, or actions. Examples include die Behörde hält sensible Daten zurück (the authority withholds sensitive data) or Unternehmen halten Lieferungen zurück (companies are holding back deliveries). The reflexive form sich zurückhalten describes voluntary restraint, as in Er hält sich in der Debatte zurück (he abstains from participating in the debate).

Conjugation and forms: Präsens — er hält zurück; Präteritum — er hielt zurück; Perfekt — er hat zurückgehalten; Partizip II — zurückgehalten. With a separable prefix, the prefix zurück is separated in the present tense, but the compound with-halten forms a regular perfect with haben.

Etymology and related terms: zurückhalten derives from zurück (back, again) and halten (to hold). Related words include zurückhaltend (reserved, prudent) and Zurückhaltung (restraint or reticence). Related verbs with similar meanings include abhalten (to deter or to keep someone from), vorenthalten (to withhold from someone), and behalten (to keep, to retain).