1. The act of refusing to give, provide, or continue assistance, support, or relief to a person, organization, or country
The government was accused of withholding aid from disaster victims.
O governo foi acusado de reter ajuda das vítimas do desastre.
2. Using the denial of assistance as a political or diplomatic tool or leverage
The president threatened withholding aid to pressure the foreign government into compliance.
O presidente ameaçou suspender a ajuda para pressionar o governo estrangeiro a cumprir.