The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word WITHDRAWAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
W
I
T
H
D
R
A
W
A
L
More clues leading to the result WITHDRAWAL
- Coming off horse, perhaps, in retreat
- Kicking the drug habit, nevertheless admitting attraction
- Humorist, working hard on act, set up for retirement
- Taking money out for retirement
- Taking money from the bank for retirement
- It’s tough for drug addicts. Nevertheless, pull through
- Large prize hard to return after comic’s retirement
- Reportedly, John Wayne spoke this way in retirement
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Kicking the drug habit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case kicking the drug habit = withdrawal.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WITHDRAWAL mean?
WITHDRAWAL noun- Receiving from someone's care what one has earlier entrusted to them. Usually refers to money.
- A method of birth control which consists of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
- A type of metabolic shock the body undergoes when a substance, usually a toxin such as heroin, to which a patient is dependent is withheld. Sometimes used with the substance as modifier.
- An act of withdrawing.
- The sum of money taken from a bank account.