withdrawn
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /wɪðˈdrɔːn/
KK: /wɪðˈdrɔn/
adjective
Definition
Someone who is emotionally distant and prefers to be alone rather than socializing with others.
Example
After the incident, he became withdrawn and rarely spoke to anyone.
Conversation
Have you noticed that Mark seems a bit withdrawn lately?
Yeah, I thought it was just me. He hasn't been hanging out much.
Exactly! It’s like he’s avoiding everyone.
I hope he’s okay; maybe we should check in on him.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
aloof
reserved
distant
Antonyms
outgoing
sociable
friendly
verb
Definition
To take back or remove something that was previously given or offered.
Example
She decided to withdraw her application for the job.
Tense Forms
Past: withdrew
Past Participle: withdrawn
Conversation
I heard Sarah has withdrawn from the competition this year.
Really? I thought she was excited about it.
Yeah, she mentioned feeling too stressed and wanted to focus on her studies instead.
Root Explanation
Withdrawn → It is formed from "with-" (meaning against or back) and "draw" (from Old English "dragan", meaning to pull or drag). The word "withdrawn" means pulled back or taken away from a place or situation.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who has 'pulled back' ('draw') from a situation, which is what it means to be withdrawn.
Visually Confused Words
unwithdrawn
rewithdraw
unwithdrawing
thrawn