1. The act of refusing, denying, or holding back assistance, support, or aid that would normally be provided
The withholding of assistance to the refugees violated humanitarian principles.
A retenção de assistência aos refugiados violou princípios humanitários.
2. In legal or contractual contexts, the deliberate refusal to provide aid or services that are owed or expected
The court ruled against the retenção de assistência in the custody agreement.
O tribunal se pronunciou contra a retenção de assistência no acordo de guarda.