withdrawn

adjective

with·​drawn wit͟h-ˈdrȯn 

with-

1

: removed from immediate contact or easy approach : isolated

2

: socially detached and unresponsive : exhibiting withdrawal : introverted

a shy and withdrawn child

withdrawnness

wit͟h-ˈdrȯn-nəs 

with-

noun

Synonyms

• backward
• bashful
• coy
• demure
• diffident
• introverted
• modest
• recessive
• retiring
• self-effacing
• sheepish
• shy

Examples of withdrawn in a Sentence

He became more withdrawn after his brother's death.

She was withdrawn as a child but is now more outgoing.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the film doesn’t glamorize Callas, and instead portrays her as sad and withdrawn. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Think of how the finale opening dwells on Georgie never getting a handshake this season — Paul left her hanging twice with an extended, and then a withdrawn, hand! —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Nov. 2024

The modern evening sale that followed netted only $92.9 million across 31 lots, and featured seven works that didn’t sell and two withdrawn pieces. —Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024

When Marnie Was There A subtle, rewarding story about adolescence and identity based on a 1967 novel of the same name by British author Joan G. Robinson, When Marnie Was There follows Anna, a shy and withdrawn girl who struggles to connect to anyone. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

withdrawn

adjective

with·​drawn wit͟h-ˈdrȯn 

with-

1

: removed from immediate or easy approach : isolated

withdrawn mountain communities

2

: not socially active or interested : introverted

a shy and withdrawn child

Medical Definition

withdrawn

adjective

with·​drawn wit͟h-ˈdrȯn 

: socially detached and unresponsive : exhibiting withdrawal : introverted