withdrawal

[with-draw-uhl, -drawl, with-]

noun

1. Also withdrawment. the act or condition of withdrawing.

2. Pharmacology.,  the act or process of ceasing to use an addictive drug.

3. coitus interruptus.

withdrawal

/ wɪðˈdrɔːəl /

noun

1. an act or process of withdrawing; retreat, removal, or detachment

2. the period a drug addict goes through following abrupt termination in the use of narcotics, usually characterized by physical and mental symptoms ( withdrawal symptoms )

withdrawal

1. Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance. The symptoms of withdrawal include headache, diarrhea, and tremors and can range from mild to life threatening, depending on the extent of the body's reliance on the addictive substance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of withdrawal¹

First recorded in 1740–50; withdraw + -al ²

Example Sentences

One said she feared she would find her child dead in their bed, while her daughter said withdrawal symptoms from the drug made her feel like she was "dying".

From BBC

Teenagers have described horrendous withdrawal symptoms after vaping it, while one parent said she feared finding her daughter dead in her bed.

From BBC

Then comes the withdrawal process, which feels like death.

From Los Angeles Times

One is the speed with which China is filling the vacuum left by America's withdrawal from international norms and institutions.

From BBC

While he did not order the immediate withdrawal of the roughly 300 troops who remain in Los Angeles, he barred them from engaging in policing duties unless Congress explicitly authorizes it.

From Salon

Related Words

• departure 
• disengagement 
• exit 
• exodus 
• resignation 
• retirement