withdrawal

American  

[with-draw-uhl, -drawl, with-] / wɪðˈdrɔ əl, -ˈdrɔl, wɪθ- /

noun

• withdrawals
  plural

1. Also withdrawment. the act or condition of withdrawing.

2. Pharmacology. the act or process of ceasing to use an addictive drug.

3. coitus interruptus.

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withdrawal British  

/ wɪðˈdrɔːəl /

noun

1. an act or process of withdrawing; retreat, removal, or detachment

2. the period a drug addict goes through following abrupt termination in the use of narcotics, usually characterized by physical and mental symptoms ( withdrawal symptoms )

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withdrawal Scientific  

/ wĭth-drô′əl,wĭth- /

1. Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance. The symptoms of withdrawal include headache, diarrhea, and tremors and can range from mild to life threatening, depending on the extent of the body's reliance on the addictive substance.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• withdrawals
  plural

Etymology

Origin of withdrawal

First recorded in 1740–50; withdraw + -al ²

Explanation

Withdrawal is when you take something out, like making a withdrawal from your bank account. When you announced you were no longer running for president, your withdrawal from the race disappointed your many supporters. Withdrawal is also used to describe the painful experience that results when you stop taking an addictive drug (when you "take it out" of your system). The state of being emotionally detached is called withdrawal. If a country terminates an agreement like a treaty, that's a withdrawal too. Remember that withdrawal ends in "wal" and not just "wl."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

withdrawal withdrawals

The withdrawal was smaller than the 1.4 million barrel decline seen in a Wall Street Journal survey of analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said the withdrawal had been made so as "not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III".

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

During a transitional period, British citizens could apply for residence status under the withdrawal agreement between the UK and the EU - which ended on 31 December 2021.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

Beneficiaries under age 59½ are not subject to the 10% penalty for early withdrawal.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 7, 2026

“Considering how you’ve clammed up since I mentioned Vivian, l think we can agree that shame leads to withdrawal and anger.”

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

This reduced rate would be paid onto a "Back to Work" card, which would not allow cash withdrawals or spending on these items.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

The attack overwhelmed the compliance staff, backing up withdrawals further.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026

Average grades in preparatory math, precalculus and calculus across UC continue their five-year decline, while D and F grades, no-pass marks and withdrawals in those courses have gone up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

The second and third options were for the hypothetical person to take regular monthly withdrawals from the $360,000, akin to a paycheck, or to annuitize 25% of their money.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

The British army in northern France was “making strategic withdrawals to previously prepared positions.”

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• departure
• disengagement
• exit
• exodus
• resignation
• retirement