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 with the correct word:
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.