# withdrew

/wɪðˈdɹu/ (US) · /wɪðdɹˈuː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/withdrew
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the past tense of 'withdraw'. It means you took something back, moved away from a place, or stopped being part of a group.

For teachers: the past tense of 'withdraw'. Refers to the act of removing something from a place, retreating from a position, or ceasing participation in an activity.

## Examples

- She withdrew all her money from the bank yesterday.
- The candidate withdrew from the race after the latest poll results were released to the public.
- Following the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations, the military command withdrew its forces to the original border to avoid further escalation of the conflict.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He withdrawed his application" but "He withdrew his application" — Withdraw is an irregular verb; the past tense is 'withrew', not 'withdrawed'.

## Usage notes

- The past tense of 'withdraw'. Often takes the preposition 'from' when describing leaving a place or an agreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.