1
: to remove (money) from a bank account
She withdrew $200 from her checking account.
2
: to take (something) back so that it is no longer available
The pills were withdrawn [=recalled] from the market because they were unsafe.
3
formal
: to take back (something that is spoken, offered, etc.)
The company withdrew [=retracted] the job offer.
The prosecutor withdrew her question to the witness.
They have withdrawn the charges.
withdraw support for a candidate
4
: to stop participating in something
Students can withdraw from a class anytime until the last week of the semester.
The injury forced him to withdraw from [=drop out of] the tournament.
5
a
of soldiers
: to leave an area
The troops were forced to withdraw.
They withdrew from the battlefield.
The troops were withdrawn [=pulled back] from the front line.
b
somewhat formal + old-fashioned
: to leave a room, area, etc., and go to another place
—+ to
He retired and withdrew [=moved] to the country.
After dinner, we withdrew to the library.
6
: to stop spending time with other people : to spend more time alone and gradually stop talking to other people
—often + from or into
She withdrew from other people as she grew older.
He withdrew into himself after his brother's death.
7
: to take (something) back, away, or out
He withdrew [=removed] his hand from the doorknob.
Cite this Entry
“Withdraw.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/withdraw. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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