withdrawal

noun

with·​draw·​al wit͟h-ˈdrȯ(-ə)l How to pronounce withdrawal (audio)
with-
1
a
: the act of taking back or away something that has been granted or possessed
b
: removal from a place of deposit or investment
c(1)
: the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug
(2)
: the syndrome of often painful physical and psychological symptoms that follows discontinuance of an addicting drug
a heroin addict going through withdrawal
2
a
: retreat or retirement especially into a more secluded or less exposed place or position
b
: an operation by which a military force disengages from the enemy
c(1)
: social or emotional detachment
(2)
: a pathological retreat from objective reality (as in some schizophrenic states)
3
: retraction, revocation
threatened us with withdrawal of consent
4
a
: the act of drawing someone or something back from or out of a place or position

Examples of withdrawal in a Sentence

The general authorized the withdrawal of troops from the fields. She made a withdrawal from her checking account. He underwent rehab to help him through his withdrawal from heroin. She experienced symptoms of nicotine withdrawal after she quit smoking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amen pointed out that beta blockers do not cause cravings or withdrawals like other anti-anxiety medications. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025 However, in 2025, a plethora of user-centric platforms have been launched to deliver flexibility, efficiency, daily compounding, interests, and instant withdrawals, and these features now define the industry. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 Centene‘s stock has experienced a significant decline—more than 42% in the past six months—primarily due to the withdrawal of its 2025 financial guidance following some troubling developments in its core health insurance business. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 By contrast, an investment product with private asset exposure designed for workplace retirement plans may have somewhat lower costs and let investors put money in regularly as well as make periodic withdrawals during the year. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for withdrawal

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of withdrawal was in 1749

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withdrawal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withdrawal. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

withdrawal

noun
with·​draw·​al wit͟h-ˈdrȯ(-ə)l How to pronounce withdrawal (audio)
with-
1
: an act or instance of withdrawing
especially : a removal of money from a bank account
2
a
: the stopping of the use or giving of a drug and especially a habit-forming drug
b
: the group of often painful physical and emotional symptoms that occur when use of a habit-forming drug is stopped

Medical Definition

withdrawal

noun
with·​draw·​al -ˈdrȯ(ə-)l How to pronounce withdrawal (audio)
1
a
: a pathological retreat from objective reality (as in some schizophrenic states)
b
: social or emotional detachment
2
a
: the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug
b
: the syndrome of often painful physical and psychological symptoms that follows discontinuance of an addicting substance
a heroin addict going through withdrawal
3

Legal Definition

withdrawal

noun
with·​draw·​al
1
: the act or fact of withdrawing
withdrawal from a conspiracy
2
: removal of money from a place of deposit or investment

More from Merriam-Webster on withdrawal

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