withdrawal
UK: wɪðˈdrɔːəl | US: wɪðˈdrɔːəl
n. the act of removing or taking something away
n. the process of discontinuing a substance or activity (e.g., drug withdrawal)
n. a retreat or removal from a situation or commitment
The word "withdrawal" originates from Middle English, combining "with" (from Old English "wiþ," meaning "against" or "back") and "draw" (from Old English "dragan," meaning "to pull"). The suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis") turns the verb into a noun, denoting the action or result of pulling back. Historically, it described physical retreats (e.g., military withdrawals) and later expanded to abstract contexts like substance cessation or financial transactions.
The army executed a strategic withdrawal from the battlefield.
She experienced severe symptoms during alcohol withdrawal.
His sudden withdrawal from the project surprised everyone.
The bank charges a fee for early withdrawal of savings.
Emotional withdrawal can strain relationships.