withdrawal

American  

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

noun

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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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

“The deduction you’d be getting is not as powerful as the tax-free withdrawal at retirement that the Roth would provide.”

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

In a statement the CBA said its positions has "remained consistent" during the withdrawal of services and the action was taken as "a regrettable last resort".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Merely a gray leather couch, of a depressing aspect that almost announces a withdrawal from life and surrender to the numbing effects of long days and nights of television.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Previous withdrawals from the group by Qatar in 2019 and Angola in 2023 were less significant by comparison, Bakr told a video conference on the UAE withdrawal.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

The Record of Understanding prompted Inkatha to announce its withdrawal from all negotiations involving the government and the ANC.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

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