withdraw

[wɪðˈdrɔː]

withdraw Definition

  • 1remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position
  • 2cease to participate in an activity, typically one that is disagreeable or unwelcome
  • 3retract or repeal (a law or decision)

Using withdraw: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "withdraw" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He withdrew his hand from the fire.

  • Example

    I decided to withdraw from the competition.

  • Example

    The company withdrew its offer of employment.

  • Example

    The government has withdrawn the proposed legislation.

withdraw Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for withdraw

Antonyms for withdraw

Idioms Using withdraw

  • to leave a place quickly and in a hurry because of danger or an unpleasant situation

    Example

    When the police arrived, the thieves beat a hasty retreat.

  • cut and run

    to leave a difficult or dangerous situation quickly without trying to resolve it

    Example

    The company cut and run when they realized they couldn't make a profit.

  • to give up or quit, especially after a long struggle or effort

    Example

    After years of trying to save the business, he finally threw in the towel.

Phrases with withdraw

  • take money out of a bank account

    Example

    I need to withdraw some cash from the ATM.

  • withdrawal symptoms

    physical or mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing the use of a drug or other addictive substance

    Example

    He experienced severe withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking.

  • a personality type characterized by introversion, shyness, and avoidance of social interaction

    Example

    She has a withdrawn personality and prefers to spend time alone.

Origins of withdraw

from Middle English 'withdrauen', meaning 'to draw off'

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Summary: withdraw in Brief

The verb 'withdraw' [wɪðˈdrɔː] means to remove or take away something from a particular place or position, cease to participate in an activity, or retract or repeal a law or decision. It can refer to physical actions like 'He withdrew his hand from the fire,' or non-physical actions like 'I decided to withdraw from the competition.' Phrases like 'withdraw money' and idioms like 'beat a hasty retreat' are also common.

How do native speakers use this expression?