Definition of "withhold" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back to its owner.

   • The bank withheld her credit card.

2. (transitive) To keep (information, assent etc) to oneself rather than revealing it.

   • withhold vital information
   • a withheld phone number

3. (intransitive) To stay back, to refrain.

   • I’ll withhold from asking about it.

noun

1. (Scientology) An immoral action or condition (an overt) that has not been disclosed to others; the consciousness of such an action or condition.