NEWS Health News Word of the Week: Withdrawal By Team Verywell Health Published on August 27, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Angela Underwood Fact checked by Angela Underwood LinkedIn Angela Underwood's extensive local, state, and federal healthcare and environmental news coverage includes 911 first-responder compensation policy to the Ciba-Geigy water contamination case in Toms River, NJ. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. Learn about our editorial process Share Tweet Email Print Alex Dos Diaz / Verywell Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology. Withdrawal How to say it: Withdrawal (with-DRAWL) What it means: In medicine, the term "withdrawal" can mean a few things. You'll often hear it used in relation to stopping a substance, medication, or treatment. The term "withdrawal" can also be used to describe the symptoms that a person has when they stop taking something. Where it comes from: From the Middle English, drawen, "to pull toward" something. Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels Where you might see or hear it: If you are taking a medication and your doctor wants you to take less or stop taking it altogether, they might explain that you will start gradually taking less and less (referred to tapering) to help avoid symptoms of withdrawal that can happen if you stop taking the medication abruptly. When you might want to use it: When someone stops using a substance like alcohol or drugs, they may experience symptoms as their body adjusts to no longer having it. This is sometimes referred to as "going through withdrawal." What to Expect During Alcohol Withdrawal Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit