noun

der Entzug, ¨-e

withdrawal

Entzug is a masculine German noun meaning withdrawal, deprivation, or removal, depending on the context.

Withdrawal from an addictive substance
It refers to the process of stopping the use of alcohol, drugs, medication, or another addictive substance, often accompanied by physical or psychological symptoms.
- Der Entzug von Alkohol kann sehr belastend sein.
  “Alcohol withdrawal can be very stressful.”
- Er macht einen Drogenentzug.
  “He is undergoing drug withdrawal.”
Deprivation or being denied something
It can describe the removal or withholding of something that someone normally has or needs.
- Der Entzug der Freiheit means “deprivation of freedom.”
- Der Entzug von Rechten means “the removal of rights.”
Revocation or withdrawal of an official privilege or authorization
In legal and administrative contexts, it can mean the official removal of a license, permission, or right.
- der Entzug des Führerscheins — “the revocation of one’s driving license”

is derived from , which consists of the prefix and , “to pull.” The original idea is therefore “pulling something away.”

— “weaning” or “detoxification”; usually emphasizes the process of freeing oneself from an addiction, whereas often emphasizes the withdrawal phase and its symptoms.
— “withdrawal” or “deprivation”; more formal and often used in legal or administrative contexts.
— “withholding” or “denial”; focuses on deliberately refusing someone access to something.
— “revocation” or “disqualification”; specifically refers to officially taking away a right, status, or title.
— “loss”; broader than , since it does not necessarily imply that something was actively taken away.

There is no single direct antonym for all meanings of . Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

— “granting” or “allowing”; the opposite of taking away a right or privilege.
— “awarding” or “conferring”; the opposite of revoking an official status or right.
— “supply” or “intake”; the opposite of withdrawal in the context of substances or resources.
— “provision” or “care”; the opposite of deprivation when referring to access to necessary goods or support.

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Der Entzug von Medikamenten kann schwierig sein.noun

The withdrawal from medication can be difficult.

Während des Entzugs hatte sie oft starke Kopfschmerzen.noun

During withdrawal, she often had severe headaches.

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