- past participle of withdraw.
verb
adjective
-
unusually reserved, introverted, or shy
-
secluded or remote
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of withdrawn
First recorded in 1610–20, for the adjective
Explanation
Quiet loners are withdrawn — that's a word for people who keep to themselves to such an extent that it seems a little unhealthy. We can all be withdrawn sometimes, especially when we're sad or depressed about something. Some people get withdrawn when they're angry. A withdrawn person can be hard to find, and even if they're around, hard to talk to — withdrawn people don't like to talk, or they try to talk as little as possible. A person who is withdrawn from the rest of the world for a long period of time is a recluse — an extremely solitary, withdrawn person.
Vocabulary lists containing withdrawn
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"The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Withdrawn and caustic, Janice is a raw lump of unresponsiveness bombarded by those determined to “fix” her.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025
Withdrawn after an hour, this was his final meeting with Madrid.
From The Guardian • May 7, 2018
Withdrawn, seemingly friendless, she moves back in with her mother, father and brother, who flutter around her with hopeful smiles.
From New York Times • Jul. 21, 2011
Skype Voice application Withdrawn on Verizon 3G Tablets In my world, I wear two hats: I am both an investigative attorney and physical security/communications expert.
From Forbes • Apr. 7, 2011
Withdrawn from all delights, alone in continual prayer, deep in religion because of her love, she had been able to survive until they brought her the happy news of his arrival.
From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
