The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WITHHOLD
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
I
T
H
H
O
L
D
More clues leading to the result WITHHOLD
- Restrain Lutoslawski’s humour — it’s showing signs of age
- Women’s groups, ordered to accept married men, refuse
- Refrain from revealing how telephone receptionist could annoy one?
- Keep back from wife, one informed about husband repeatedlyNewspaper version – Retain water after short time in desert
- To check hotels in natural environment to reserve
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Restrain/Restrain" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case restrain/restrain = withhold.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WITHHOLD mean?
WITHHOLD verb- To keep (a physical object that one has obtained) to oneself rather than giving it back to its owner.
- To keep (information, assent etc) to oneself rather than revealing it.
- To stay back.