Withdraw: meaning, definitions and examples

💸
Add to dictionary

withdraw

 

[ wɪðˈdrɔː ]

Context #1 | Verb

banking

To take money out of a bank account.

Synonyms

extract, remove, take out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
withdraw

As this word is already described initially, it is the same as the first entry.

  • She decided to withdraw all her savings from the bank.
  • The troops were ordered to withdraw from the area.
  • He withdrew his name from consideration.
take out

A more casual and informal phrase, often used in everyday conversations or simple actions of taking something out of a place. It implies less effort compared to 'extract'.

  • Can you take out the trash?
  • He took out his phone to check the time.
  • She took out a book from her bag.
remove

This is a versatile word suitable for many situations where something is being taken away or detached. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • She had to remove the stains from her shirt.
  • They decided to remove the old furniture from the room.
extract

Use this word when talking about removing something with effort or precision, often from a specific place. It is commonly used in medical, scientific, or technical contexts.

  • The dentist had to extract the tooth.
  • Scientists managed to extract DNA from the ancient bones.
  • He extracted the files from the envelope.

Examples of usage

  • I need to withdraw some cash from my account.
  • She withdrew $100 from the ATM.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To remove or take away something.

Synonyms

recall, retract, revoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
withdraw

This word is typically used when someone wants to take something back or remove themselves from a situation. It is often used in financial contexts or when talking about stepping away from an activity or commitment.

  • She decided to withdraw her application for the job.
  • He went to the ATM to withdraw some cash.
retract

Retract is used when someone takes back a statement, promise, or opinion. It often implies an acknowledgment that what was said or done was wrong. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The journalist had to retract the false information in the article.
  • She retracted her statement after realizing it was incorrect.
revoke

This word is used when an official rule, decision, or privilege is taken away or canceled. It often carries a formal or legal tone.

  • The government decided to revoke his driving license.
  • Her visa was revoked due to a violation of the terms.
recall

This word is often used when someone wants to publicly take back a statement, product, or decision. It is commonly used in the context of product safety.

  • The company decided to recall the faulty product.
  • The politician had to recall his earlier statement.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to withdraw their support for the project.
  • He withdrew his offer to help.

Translations

Translations of the word "withdraw" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retirar

🇮🇳 निकालना

🇩🇪 abheben

🇮🇩 menarik

🇺🇦 знімати

🇵🇱 wypłacić

🇯🇵 引き出す (ひきだす)

🇫🇷 retirer

🇪🇸 retirar

🇹🇷 çekmek

🇰🇷 인출하다

🇸🇦 سحب

🇨🇿 vybrat

🇸🇰 vybrať

🇨🇳 取出 (qǔchū)

🇸🇮 dvigniti

🇮🇸 taka út

🇰🇿 шығару

🇬🇪 გამოღება

🇦🇿 çıxarmaq

🇲🇽 retirar

Etymology

The word 'withdraw' originates from the Old English word 'withdragan', which means 'to drag away'. Over the years, the meaning evolved to include the idea of taking something away or removing it. The word has been used in various contexts, from banking to formal situations, to convey the action of taking back or removing something.

See also: draw, drawable, drawback, drawer, drawing, drawings, drawn.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,574, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.