verbverb

vorenthalten

withhold

Etwas absichtlich nicht geben oder nicht erlauben, obwohl es jemandem zusteht.

The German word "vorenthalten" is a verb that means "to withhold" or "to deprive". It is composed of the prefixes "vor-" (before) and "ent-" (away from), combined with the verb "halten" which means "to hold". "Vorenthalten" typically refers to keeping something back from someone, whether information, resources, or rights.

Similar words in German include:

  • "entziehen" (to withdraw),
  • "verwehren" (to deny),
  • "nicht geben" (to not give).

While these words have similar meanings, there are subtle differences:

  • "Entziehen" often implies a formal or authoritative action of taking away something that was available.
  • "Verwehren" has a nuance of refusing or denying access or permission.
  • "Nicht geben" is a more colloquial and direct way of saying "not giving".

"Vorenthalten" specifically conveys the sense of withholding something that someone might reasonably expect to receive.

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Examples

Man hat ihm die Informationen vorenthalten.verb

The information was withheld from him.

Darf ein Unternehmen seinen Mitarbeitern den Bonus vorenthalten?verb

Is a company allowed to withhold the bonus from its employees?

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