The term 'withdraw by degrees' can be summarized as a gradual process of weaning, which is the act of gradually reducing or stopping something. This term is often used in reference to the process of gradually reducing or stopping the use of a substance, such as a drug or alcohol, or the process of gradually reducing or stopping the use of a behavior, such as smoking. It is also used in reference to the process of gradually reducing or stopping the use of a habit, such as eating unhealthy foods. The term 'WEAN' is a four-letter word that is used to describe this process.