Definition

A person or thing that keeps something back or does not give it to someone else.

Example

The withholder of the information refused to share it with the team.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people are such a withholder of compliments?

Yeah, it's like they can't bring themselves to say anything nice.

I wonder what makes them act like that, you know?

Maybe they just feel insecure about sharing their thoughts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Withholder → It is formed from "with" (from Old English "wiþ", meaning against or in opposition) and "hold" (from Old English "healdan", meaning to keep or maintain) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A withholder is a person who keeps something back or does not give it.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'keeping back' ('hold') something 'against' ('with') another — that's why a withholder is someone who withholds.

Visually Confused Words