Withdraw Meaning
Withdraw Definition & Usage
To remove oneself or something from a place or situation.
Examples
- "She decided to withdraw from the meeting early because of a prior commitment."
- "The troops began to withdraw from the battlefield after the ceasefire was declared."
- "After the argument, he chose to withdraw from the conversation."
- "They had to withdraw the funds from the bank to pay for the emergency."
- "The company decided to withdraw its product from the market due to safety concerns."
To retreat from social interaction or public exposure, often to regain composure or avoid conflict.
Examples
- "She felt overwhelmed by the party and decided to withdraw to a quieter room."
- "After the stressful week, he withdrew into himself and stopped answering calls."
- "He had a tendency to withdraw when faced with criticism."
- "During the interview, she withdrew into silence when asked about her past."
- "The celebrity withdrew from public life to avoid the media frenzy."
To take money out of a bank account or financial institution.
Examples
- "He went to the ATM to withdraw some cash for the weekend trip."
- "I need to withdraw funds to pay for the new laptop."
- "She withdrew the money from her savings to cover her medical bills."
- "They had to withdraw from their retirement fund to pay for the house renovations."
- "You can withdraw up to $500 per day from your account without a fee."
Cultural Context
The word 'withdraw' has roots in Old French and Middle English, originally meaning to 'draw back' or 'pull back.' It has since evolved into several distinct meanings, most of which involve a form of removal or retreat, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. The concept of withdrawing is often associated with distance or a voluntary pullback from something or someone.
The Moment He Chose to Withdraw
Story
The Moment He Chose to Withdraw
James had always been the life of the party—outgoing, energetic, always at the center of attention. But today, something felt different. As the conversation swirled around him at the dinner table, he noticed his chest tightening and his palms sweating. A wave of panic washed over him. Without warning, he stood up, excusing himself quietly. 'James, where are you going?' his friend Sarah asked, looking up in surprise. 'I just need a moment,' James muttered, already halfway across the room. He withdrew from the crowd, stepping outside to the quiet of the balcony. The cool evening air calmed his racing heart. He had been pushing himself too hard, overcommitting to events and obligations. He realized, in that moment, that he needed to withdraw from the expectations he'd placed on himself. He had to retreat, not physically, but mentally and emotionally. It wasn't easy, but as he stood there in the peace of the night, he knew it was necessary. James had to learn that it was okay to withdraw from people and situations to protect his mental well-being. The more he allowed himself this time, the more he found clarity. The following week, he decided to withdraw from a few projects he had taken on and take a much-needed break. By the time he returned to work, he was refreshed, grounded, and more productive than ever. He learned that sometimes, stepping away was the best way to move forward.
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