Withdrawal (noun): The action or process of removing or taking something away, such as funds, support, or military forces, from a place or situation.
Withdrawal (noun): The symptoms or effects experienced when a person stops or reduces the use of an addictive substance, such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.
Withdrawal (noun): The act of retreating or pulling back from social, emotional, or physical involvement.
History and Origin
The term “withdrawal” comes from the Old English wiþdragan, meaning “to draw back” or “pull away,” combining wiþ (against) and dragan (to draw). It has been used in various contexts for centuries, with the meaning evolving to include both physical withdrawal (such as military forces pulling back) and psychological withdrawal (such as the effects of quitting an addictive substance).
Detailed Explanation
Physical withdrawal: In a general context, withdrawal refers to the act of pulling away from a specific situation or removing something from its usual place. This could be in reference to a military retreat, removing money from a bank account, or taking away resources or support.
Addiction withdrawal: In medical and psychological contexts, withdrawal refers to the physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces the intake of substances they are addicted to. Common withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, anxiety, and nausea, which can vary depending on the substance.
Psychological withdrawal: Withdrawal can also describe a person’s retreat from social interactions or emotional engagement. This might be due to mental health issues, personal preference, or an avoidance of stress-inducing situations.
Process of recovery: In the context of addiction, withdrawal is often seen as an essential phase in the recovery process. However, it can be challenging and may require medical supervision, particularly in severe cases of substance dependence.
Example Sentences
The soldier’s withdrawal from the battlefield was strategic to avoid further casualties.
After years of smoking, his withdrawal from nicotine caused significant anxiety and irritability.
The country decided to initiate the withdrawal of its forces from the conflict zone.
She experienced severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping her medication abruptly.
Financial withdrawal from the bank account allowed the family to cover their emergency expenses.
The company announced its withdrawal from the partnership due to differences in business strategies.
His social withdrawal left his friends worried about his mental well-being.
The withdrawal of support from the community led to a decline in the charity’s activities.
The doctor recommended a gradual reduction in dosage to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
Retreat: A withdrawal, especially in a military or strategic sense, where forces or people pull back from a position.
Removal: The act of taking something away, similar to withdrawal in a physical sense.
Disengagement: The act of pulling away from involvement, similar to withdrawal in both emotional and social contexts.
Recession: The act of withdrawing or moving back, often used in economic terms but applicable to other contexts.
Abstinence: The voluntary withdrawal from certain substances or behaviors, often related to addiction recovery.
Related Words with Short Explanation
Addiction: A condition of being dependent on a substance or behavior, often leading to withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or eliminated.
Detoxification: The process of removing toxins from the body, often a part of addiction recovery, involving withdrawal symptoms.
Separation: The act of creating a distance or pulling away from something, similar to withdrawal in a relational or emotional context.
Retraction: A form of withdrawal, often used to describe pulling back a statement or claim.
Exodus: A large-scale withdrawal or departure, often referring to people leaving a place, such as an exodus from a country or area.
More Matches with Short Explanation
Severance: The act of ending or withdrawing from a relationship or agreement, such as severance from a job or contract.
Recession: A period of economic decline, where the withdrawal of investments or funds is common.
Disconnection: The state of being withdrawn or detached, either emotionally or physically, similar to withdrawal.
Retreatment: A period of withdrawal from everyday life, such as a retreat for relaxation or recovery.
Ejection: The act of forcibly withdrawing or expelling someone or something from a place, similar to physical withdrawal.
Antonyms
Engagement: The act of becoming involved or committed, the opposite of withdrawal.
Approach: The act of moving toward or coming nearer to something, the opposite of withdrawing.
Involvement: The state of being actively engaged or included, opposed to withdrawing or retreating.
Commitment: The act of dedicating oneself to something, contrary to the idea of withdrawal.
Entrance: The act of entering or joining, opposite to withdrawing from a situation.