withhold

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back…

   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. 2

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

   • withhold vital information
   • a withheld phone number
3. 3

   To stay back, to refrain.

   • I’ll withhold from asking about it.
   • Do you wish to proceed with those down the line in that order? […] We’ll withhold for now.
   • On the assumption that a vast majority of readers also enjoy writing, I could not withhold from asking the expert for some advice.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      An immoral action or condition (an overt) that has not been disclosed to others

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

      • I was afraid to go into review for the help I needed because of the withholds I had against the organization, withholds acquired at the franchise: our late evening discussions, our kidding around at the expense of other Scientologists.
      • Dianetics is concerned with purifying the individual of negative emotions, evil spirits, overts, and withholds.
      • The scientology theory is that marriages fail because one or both partners have undisclosed withholds, and when they confess these to their spouse their desire to end the relationship is dissipated and the marriage is saved.

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