Withdrawal
/wɪθˈdrɔːəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of removing something or taking it back; the state of being withdrawn.
/wɪθˈdrɔːəl/
The act of taking something back or away.
The bank processed the withdrawal request.
💡 Simply: Think of taking money out of your bank account, or a kid taking a toy away from another. That's a withdrawal! It's taking something away.
👶 For kids: Taking something away.
More Examples
She suffered from withdrawal after stopping the medication.
The company announced the withdrawal of their product from the market.
How It's Used
"He made a withdrawal of $100 from his savings account."
"The patient experienced withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication."
"Her sudden social withdrawal made her friends worry."
The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops taking a substance to which they are addicted.
/wɪθˈdrɔːəl/
A state of psychological distress caused by cessation of addictive substances.
The doctor explained the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
💡 Simply: When someone stops using a drug or substance they're used to, they might feel sick, anxious, or irritable. These are called withdrawal symptoms.
👶 For kids: Feeling bad when you stop doing something your body is used to, like eating candy.
More Examples
The patient experienced severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping opioids.
Therapy can help manage the emotional challenges of withdrawal.
How It's Used
"The patient was suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms."
"Withdrawal from social activities can be a sign of depression."
The act of ceasing to take part in an activity or to be involved in a group.
/wɪθˈdrɔːəl/
The act of removing oneself from a situation or group.
His withdrawal from the competition surprised everyone.
💡 Simply: Imagine a game you don't like. Withdrawing is like deciding not to play anymore; it's taking yourself out of it.
👶 For kids: When you stop playing a game or being with people.
More Examples
Her social withdrawal made it difficult to reach her.
The company announced its withdrawal from the project.
How It's Used
"Her social withdrawal became a concern for her family."
"The country announced its withdrawal from the treaty."
Synonyms
Extraction
Removal
Retirement
Retreat
Secession
Abstinence
Departure
Antonyms
Addition
Deposit
Entrance
Introduction
Addiction
Dependence
Indulgence
Engagement
Involvement
Participation
Presence
Idioms & expressions
withdrawal symptoms
The physical and psychological effects experienced when a person stops using a substance they are addicted to.
"After quitting the drug, he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms including nausea and tremors."
withdrawal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding that occurs in a woman after she stops taking birth control pills that contain hormones.
"Withdrawal bleeding may occur within a few days after stopping the contraceptive."
strategic withdrawal
A calculated retreat or pulling back from a position or situation, often to gain an advantage.
"The general ordered a strategic withdrawal to regroup and resupply their forces."
From Middle English *withdrawen*, from Old English *wiþþeorwan* ('to draw back, withdraw'), from *wiþ* ('against, away') + *þeorwan* ('to draw').
The word 'withdrawal' has been used since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'the act of drawing back or away'. Its usage evolved to include financial transactions and medical contexts over time.
Memory tip
Imagine pulling something *with* a *draw*, away from something.