Withdraw
/wɪðˈdrɔː/
verbB2
Definition
Withdraw means to pull something out or take it away from where it was. It can also mean to move back or away from a place, person, or activity. People often use it when talking about stopping participation or removing money from a bank.
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See It in Action
To take something back or remove it
- •She withdrew her hand quickly when she touched the cold water.
- •He withdrew money from his bank account.
- •The army withdrew its troops from the area.
To move back or away from a place or situation
- •After the argument, he withdrew from the conversation.
- •The company withdrew its offer after finding problems.
- •She withdrew from the competition because of illness.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "withdraw" like "take" but with the idea of moving something back or away, not just taking it anywhere
- ✓Picture someone pulling their hand back from a hot surface to avoid pain
- ✓It's the feeling of stepping away when you want to be alone or stop joining in a group
- ✓Sounds like "WITH-draw" → imagine "drawing" something back "with" your hand, pulling it closer to you
- ✓Think of a turtle pulling its head inside its shell to protect itself—this is a kind of withdrawal
- ✓NOT like "give" (which means to offer something), "withdraw" means to take back or remove
- ✓NOT like "leave" (which means to go away permanently), "withdraw" can be temporary or partial pulling back
- ✓NOT like "stop" (which means to end completely), "withdraw" can mean just moving away or reducing involvement
Try Other Words
- •Retreat: to move back, especially in military or difficult situations (Use when emphasizing moving backward for safety or strategy)
- •Remove: to take something away from a place (Use when focusing on physically taking something out)
- •Pull back: to move backward or away (Use in informal or physical movement contexts)
- •Cancel: to stop or take back an offer or plan (Use when stopping something planned or promised)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "with-" (back, away) + "draw" (to pull)
- •Etymology: From Old English "withdragan," meaning to draw back or retreat
- •Historical development: Originally meant to pull or drag back; over time, it gained broader uses in both physical and abstract senses
- •Modern usage: Used in many contexts like money, participation, offers, and physical movement away from places or situations
Reflect & Connect
•When might it be better to withdraw from a situation instead of confronting it? Why?
•How does the idea of withdrawing help us understand personal boundaries or safety?
Fill in the blanks
1.She decided to withdraw her application because she ___ interested anymore.
2.The bank allows you to withdraw money ___ using an ATM or going inside.
3.After the disagreement, he withdrew ___ the group to think quietly.
4.The soldiers withdrew ___ the battlefield after the plan changed.
5.When you withdraw money, you usually ___ to give it back later.
6.The company withdrew its offer because it ___ new information about the deal.
7.Sometimes people withdraw ___ conversations when they feel uncomfortable or shy.