1remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position:Ruth withdrew her hand from hisshe prised open the lid and withdrew a slim diamond ring
take (money) out of an account:normally you can withdraw up to £50 in cash
2leave or cause to leave a place or situation: [no object]:UN forces withdrew from the province [with object]:both countries agreed to withdraw their troops
[no object] cease to participate in an activity or be a member of a team or organization:his rival withdrew from the race on the second lap
[with object] prevent (someone) from participating in an activity:patients were withdrawn from therapy when they had been depression-free for a month
3 [no object] depart to another place in search of quiet or privacy:they withdrew to their rooms for a siesta
retreat from contact or communication with other people:he went silent and withdrew into himself
4discontinue or no longer provide (something previously supplied or offered):the party threatened to withdraw its support for the government
say that (a statement one has made) is untrue or unjustified:he failed to withdraw his remarks and apologize
5 [no object] cease to take an addictive drug:for the cocaine user, it is possible to withdraw without medication
