Withdraw

/wɪðˈdrɔː/

verbmediumVery CommonBusiness

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To remove or take back something, such as money from a bank, troops from a territory, or a statement.

/wɪðˈdrɔː/

verbneutralmedium
Business

To remove or take back something.

I need to withdraw some cash from the ATM.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're at an ATM and you take money *out* of your account. That's like withdrawing! It's about taking something back or away.

👶 For kids: To take something away or back. Like taking your hand off a hot stove.

More Examples

2

The company decided to withdraw its advertising campaign.

3

The athlete withdrew from the competition due to an injury.

How It's Used

Finance

"He withdrew $100 from his bank account."

Politics

"The country withdrew its troops from the disputed territory."

Social

"She withdrew her invitation to the party."

2

To move back or away; to retreat from a situation or social interaction.

/wɪðˈdrɔː/

verbneutralmedium
General

To retire from an activity or social situation.

He decided to withdraw from the competition after the first round.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, you just want to *step away* from something, like when you're feeling shy at a party or when something is making you feel uncomfortable. Withdrawing means to remove yourself from that situation.

👶 For kids: To go away from something or to be away from other people, like when you hide in your room.

More Examples

2

She tends to withdraw when she is under pressure.

3

The company was forced to withdraw their offer because they were unable to meet the terms.

How It's Used

Social

"She withdrew from the social gathering due to feeling unwell."

Psychology

"The patient began to withdraw from reality."

Politics

"She withdrew from the race due to a lack of funds."

Tip:Imagine withdrawing from a difficult conversation, stepping away.

Idioms & expressions

Withdraw from the race

To stop being a candidate in an election or competition.

"The candidate had to withdraw from the race due to a health issue."

Withdraw into oneself

To become more reserved and isolated, especially emotionally; to retreat from social interaction or engagement.

"After the loss of his job, he withdrew into himself."

From Middle English withdrawen, from Old English wiþdragan ('to draw back, remove'), equivalent to with- + draw.

The word 'withdraw' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially with the literal meaning of drawing back or retreating.

Memory tip

Think of withdrawing money – taking it away from its current location.

withrawwithdrewwith-draw

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written