kiːp ɹɪˈstɹeɪn ɹɪˈteɪn wɪθˈhəʊld wɪθˈhoʊld prevent the action or expression of hold back your anger keep your cool she struggled to restrain her impatience at the delays hold back; refuse to hand over or share The father is withholding the allowance until the son cleans his room secure and keep for possible future use or application The landlord retained the security deposit I reserve the right to disagree