take back or pull out of

withdraw

verb|/wɪðˈdrɔː/

To remove, take back, or retreat from something

Examples

In a meeting

I need to withdraw my earlier statement about the timeline.

Over coffee

I'm going to withdraw some cash from the ATM.

Why this word

remove

Withdraw implies pulling back or taking away with intention, often oneself or one's support, while remove is more general about taking things away

retreat

Withdraw can apply to removing support, statements, or participation, while retreat specifically means moving back from a position

retract

Withdraw can mean removing oneself from participation, while retract specifically means taking back a statement or claim

Usage tip

Use for physical removal, retracting statements, or backing away from commitments; versatile across financial, social, and professional contexts

Etymology

Middle English from 'with-' (away, back) + 'draw' (to pull)

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