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

Make sure you know when each Roth was established before assuming every withdrawal will be completely tax-free.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

However, they fell out over the peace accord, from which Eritrea was excluded, and which stipulated the withdrawal of foreign soldiers.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

Meanwhile, the latest U.S. data showed domestic crude oil stocks rose by 2.5 million barrels last week, contrary to market expectations for a moderate withdrawal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

We start talking about relationships and unhealthy withdrawal and letting things fester to the point that when the emotions come out, it feels abrupt and the other person has no idea what’s going on.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

Their daughter, Pearl, became commensurately more difficult to manage, her behavior marked by periods of sullen withdrawal and eruptions of anger.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Taking too much in a single year could push you into a higher tax bracket, so spreading withdrawals out may help you manage your tax liability.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

Instead, wait until you’ve clearly established Florida residency before making sizable withdrawals.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026

A diversified stock fund of $30,000 or less does more than provide an income; it helps you beat inflation, and when you do make withdrawals.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

Yaroch told colleagues he made 10 to 12 withdrawals using passcodes the FBI obtained during a probe of an overseas suspect.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 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