withholding Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of deducting from an employee's salary
   
2. noun income tax withheld from employees' wages and paid directly to the government by the employer
   withholding tax.
   
3. noun the act of holding back or keeping within your possession or control
   
   • I resented his withholding permission
   • there were allegations of the withholding of evidence
4. verb hold back; refuse to hand over or share
   keep back; withhold.
   
   • The father is withholding the allowance until the son cleans his room
5. verb retain and refrain from disbursing; of payments
   deduct; recoup; withhold.
   
   • My employer is withholding taxes

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