with·hold (wĭth-hōld', wĭTH-)

v., -held (-hĕld'), -hold·ing, -holds.

v.tr.

1. To keep in check; restrain.
2. To refrain from giving, granting, or permitting. See synonyms at keep.
3. To deduct (withholding tax) from an employee's salary.

v.intr.
To refrain or forbear.

[Middle English witholden : with, away from; see with + holden, to hold; see hold¹.]

withholder with·hold'er n.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---