English Reference
noun

withdrawal

n.
US /wɪðˈdɹɔəɫ/ UK /wɪðdɹˈɔːl/ with·draw·al UK spelling withdrawal's, withdrawal's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the act of taking money out of a bank account.

    the removal of funds from a bank account or other financial institution.

    Simple

    I need to make a withdrawal of fifty dollars from the ATM.

    In context

    The bank limits daily cash withdrawals to prevent fraud and ensure sufficient liquidity at smaller branches.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'make'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    the unpleasant physical and mental feelings you have when you stop using a drug you are addicted to.

    the physiological and psychological symptoms experienced when an addictive substance is discontinued.

    Simple

    He suffered from sweating and shaking during his first week of withdrawal.

    In context

    The clinical team monitored the patient closely for severe withdrawal symptoms, including tremors and acute anxiety, during the initial phase of recovery.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'going through withdrawal'.

    detoxificationabstinence
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the act of moving soldiers or support away from a place.

    the act of pulling back or removing troops, support, or a statement from a specific context.

    Simple

    The government announced the full withdrawal of its troops by the end of the year.

    In context

    The sudden withdrawal of diplomatic support left the small nation vulnerable to economic sanctions from its neighbours.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Academic

    the act of becoming quiet and not wanting to talk to other people.

    the state of ceasing to participate in social activities or communication, often due to emotional distress.

    Simple

    Her sudden withdrawal from her friends was a sign that she was unhappy.

    In context

    Psychologists noted that social withdrawal is frequently an early indicator of clinical depression in adolescents.

    engagementsociability

Usage withdrawal agreement

Or has the European Commission failed to enforce the withdrawal agreement to protect citizens in practice?

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

He's facing redundancy from his job at a global cosmetics firm, and the ability to draw down a small amount - effectively a withdrawal from his future state pension - might tide him through.

BBC News· 30 Jun 2026

From withdraw + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated