How to Pronounce Withdrawal
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Withdrawal Pronunciation
with-DRAW-ul
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
with
DRAW
stress here
ul
3 syllables
What is Withdrawal?
The group of physical and mental symptoms that occur when someone who has become dependent on a substance suddenly stops or significantly reduces their use; symptoms vary by substance but can include sweating, anxiety, nausea, and seizures.
Questions About Withdrawal
How do you pronounce the word 'withdrawal'?
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Say it like this: with-DRAW-ul. The stress goes on the middle syllable (DRAW), so it sounds like you're saying "with" quietly, then "DRAW" loudly, then "ul" quietly at the end.
What's the most common mistake people make when saying 'withdrawal'?
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Many people stress the wrong syllable and say with-draw-UL (with the emphasis on the last part) instead of the correct WITH-draw-ul. Remember: the loudest part is the middle syllable, DRAW.
How many syllables does 'withdrawal' have?
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The word has three syllables: with-DRAW-ul. Breaking it into parts like this makes it easier to say correctly and remember.
What does 'withdrawal' mean in simple, everyday language?
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Withdrawal means the difficult feelings and physical reactions your body can have when you suddenly stop using something you've become dependent on. It's your body's response to the change.
Where does the word 'withdrawal' come from?
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It comes from the verb "withdraw," which means to pull back or remove something. The suffix "-al" turns it into a noun, so "withdrawal" literally means "the act of withdrawing" or pulling away from a substance.
What's a related word that shares the same root as 'withdrawal'?
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The word "withdraw" is the verb form, and you'll hear it used the same way in medical settings. For example, "to withdraw from alcohol" or "withdrawing from a medication."
Can you give me an example sentence using 'withdrawal' correctly?
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Here's an example: "The doctor explained that withdrawal is a possible experience for people who stop using certain substances." This shows the word used properly in a medical context.
Is there a short abbreviation for the word 'withdrawal'?
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There isn't a standard medical abbreviation for "withdrawal" the way there is for some other terms. Medical professionals usually write or say the full word instead.