'withhold' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wiþholdan,' where 'wiþ' meant 'against' and 'holdan' meant 'to hold.'

'wiþholdan' transformed into the Middle English word 'withholden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'withhold.'

Initially, it meant 'to hold against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to refuse to give or suppress.'