withdrawn
with-DRAWN
/wɪðˈdrɔːn/
Not wanting to communicate with other people; emotionally detached and quiet due to sadness, shock, or natural inclination.
Often implies retreat caused by psychological hurt, stress, or self-protection.
The story behind the word. A native English compound formed from with- (meaning 'away' or 'back') and drawn (pulled). A withdrawn person has literally pulled their inner emotional life back into themselves.
Word relationships
- introverted: A natural temperament, whereas withdrawn often implies an active retreat from interaction.
- distant: Focuses on the perception of emotional coldness by others.
- engaged: Fully involved and emotionally present with others.
- communicative: Eager and open to speaking.
Commonly confused with
- retiring: Retiring is a gentle preference for modesty, while withdrawn often points to emotional retreat caused by stress or pain.
Word family
- withdraw (verb): To remove or pull back from social contact or a position.
- withdrawal (noun): The act of pulling back or isolating oneself.
Collocations
- become withdrawn
- emotionally withdrawn
- quiet and withdrawn
- increasingly withdrawn
Idioms & expressions
- retreat into one's shell
- pull back into oneself
Example sentences
- "After hearing the distressing news, the student became unusually withdrawn and stopped participating in class." Psychological assessment
- "Noticeably withdrawn during dinner, he answered questions with single words and avoided eye contact." Observing interpersonal changes
Memory hook
WITHDRAWN = Money withdrawn from a bank is taken OUT of circulation, just like a withdrawn person. Taken out of social circulation.
When not to use
Avoid using for people who are vibrant and engaged, even if they speak softly.
Fun facts
- In military terminology, 'withdrawn' refers to forces pulling back from combat, parallel to how a person pulls back from social stress.
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