Rescind vs. Withdraw: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 21, 2023
"Rescind" means to revoke or cancel formally, while "Withdraw" means to take or pull something back or away.
Key Differences
"Rescind" and "Withdraw" are two verbs that, while related in the sense of retracting, have specific nuances in their application. To "Rescind" often means to annul or abrogate an existing agreement, law, or order. For instance, a company might rescind a job offer. Conversely, to "Withdraw" means to take something back, often physically, or to remove from a situation, like withdrawing money from a bank.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Contextually, "Rescind" usually pertains to the nullification of a formal or official action. It implies a cancellation of what was once approved or sanctioned. For instance, governments might rescind outdated laws. "Withdraw", on the other hand, is broader and can be used in various contexts, not limited to official acts. An army can withdraw from a territory, or a student might withdraw from a course.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
The term "Rescind" carries a sense of finality. When something is rescinded, it is as though it never existed or was never approved in the first place. In contrast, "Withdraw" doesn’t necessarily carry that same sense of finality. When someone withdraws an offer, for example, it doesn’t mean the offer never existed; it just means it’s no longer on the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
"Rescind" is more about reversing decisions or actions, often in legal, organizational, or formal contexts. In contrast, "Withdraw" has a broader range, encompassing physical, emotional, and decisional retractions. One can withdraw from a commitment, but also withdraw from a social gathering due to discomfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
To summarize, while both "Rescind" and "Withdraw" imply a retraction or pulling back of some kind, "Rescind" is specific to nullifying official decisions or orders, and "Withdraw" pertains more generally to the act of taking something back or removing oneself.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Rescind and Withdraw Definitions
Rescind
To invalidate by a subsequent action.
The policy was rescinded after protests.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Rescind
To take back or cancel an offer.
The company had to rescind the job offer.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Withdraw
To pull back or retreat from a position.
The troops were ordered to withdraw.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
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Withdraw
To take back or retract a statement.
She chose to withdraw her accusations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Rescind
To revoke or annul formally.
The board decided to rescind its previous decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Rescind
To terminate an agreement or contract.
The seller decided to rescind the deal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Withdraw
To cause to leave or return
The government withdrew its diplomats from the capital.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Rescind
(transitive) To repeal, annul, or declare void; to take (something such as a rule or contract) out of effect.
The agency will rescind the policy because many people are dissatisfied with it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Rescind
To cut off; to abrogate; to annul.
The blessed Jesus . . . did sacramentally rescind the impure relics of Adam and the contraction of evil customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To remove from consideration or participation
Withdrew her application.
Withdrew his son from the race.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Rescind
Specifically, to vacate or make void, as an act, by the enacting authority or by superior authority; to repeal; as, to rescind a law, a resolution, or a vote; to rescind a decree or a judgment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Rescind
Annul by recalling or rescinding;
He revoked the ban on smoking
Lift an embargo
Vacate a death sentence
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To move or draw back; retire
The lawyers withdrew to the judge's chambers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To remove oneself from active participation
Withdrew from the competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To become detached from social or emotional involvement
After the snubbing, he withdrew into a shell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To recall or remove a motion from consideration in parliamentary procedure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To discontinue the use of a drug or other substance, especially one that is addictive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To react physiologically and mentally to this discontinuance, often while experiencing distressing symptoms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To draw or pull (something) away or back from its original position or situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To take away or take back (something previously given or permitted); to remove, to retract.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To cause or help (someone) to stop taking an addictive drug or substance; to dry out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To distract or divert (someone) from a course of action, a goal, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Chiefly followed by from: to leave a place, someone's presence, etc., to go to another room or place.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Chiefly followed by from: to stop taking part in some activity; also, to remove oneself from the company of others, from publicity, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To stop talking to or interacting with other people and start thinking thoughts not related to what is happening.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To stop taking an addictive drug or substance; to undergo withdrawal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Of a man: to remove the penis from a partner's body orifice before ejaculation; to engage in coitus interruptus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
An act of drawing back or removing; a removal, a withdrawal or withdrawing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To take back or away, as what has been bestowed or enjoyed; to draw back; to cause to move away or retire; as, to withdraw aid, favor, capital, or the like.
Impossible it is that God should withdraw his presence from anything.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To retire; to retreat; to quit a company or place; to go away; as, he withdrew from the company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Pull back or move away or backward;
The enemy withdrew
The limo pulled away from the curb
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles;
I want to disengage myself from his influence
Disengage the gears
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Cause to be returned;
Recall the defective auto tires
The manufacturer tried to call back the spoilt yoghurt
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Keep away from others;
He sequestered himself in his study to write a book
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, taking off, etc. or remove something abstract;
Remove a threat
Remove a wrapper
Remove the dirty dishes from the table
Take the gun from your pocket
This machine withdraws heat from the environment
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Break from a meeting or gathering;
We adjourned for lunch
The men retired to the library
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Retire gracefully;
He bowed out when he realized he could no longer handle the demands of the chairmanship
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Remove (a commodity) from (a supply source);
She drew $2,000 from the account
The doctors drew medical supplies from the hospital's emergency bank
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
Make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity;
We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him
He backed out of his earlier promise
The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Withdraw
To cease to participate in an activity or event.
He had to withdraw from the race due to injury.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Is "Rescind" always about laws or rules?
No, it can also refer to decisions, offers, or any formal action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Are "Rescind" and "Withdraw" synonyms?
They overlap in meaning, but "Rescind" often implies formal cancellation, while "Withdraw" is broader.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Can I use "Withdraw" in the context of feelings?
Yes, like feeling withdrawn or choosing to withdraw emotionally.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Can a team withdraw from a competition?
Yes, it means the team has chosen not to participate.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
What might be a reason to rescind a job offer?
New information about the applicant or changes in company needs.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Can someone withdraw a statement they've made?
Yes, to "withdraw" a statement means to take it back.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Can I withdraw my application after submission?
Yes, it means you're choosing to no longer be considered.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Can "Rescind" be used in everyday language?
Yes, but it’s more common in formal or legal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Does rescinding always involve a formal announcement?
Often, especially in official or public contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
How does one "Withdraw" from a conversation?
By no longer participating or physically removing oneself.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Does "Rescind" always imply a mistake was made?
Not necessarily. It means a reversal, but not always due to an error.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Which is stronger, to rescind a decision or withdraw it?
"Rescind" often implies a more formal and final nullification.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Are there any legal implications to rescinding something?
Often, yes. Rescinding contracts, for instance, can have legal consequences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Is it common to withdraw from social situations?
Yes, some people might feel the need to do so for various reasons.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Can a company withdraw its products from the market?
Yes, it means they're taking the products off the market.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
How do I use "Withdraw" in a financial context?
It often means taking money out, like withdrawing from a bank.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What's the difference between rescinding an invitation and withdrawing it?
Both mean to take back the invitation, but "Rescind" is more formal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What does it imply if a law is rescinded?
It means the law is canceled and no longer in effect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Can one withdraw support from a cause or person?
Yes, it means they're no longer offering their support.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Can a rule be both rescinded and withdrawn?
Yes, though "Rescind" implies a formal cancellation, while "Withdraw" is more general.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
