retract

¹

[ri-trakt]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw back or in.

   to retract fangs.

verb (used without object)

1. to draw back within itself or oneself, fold up, or the like, or to be capable of doing this.

   The blade retracts.

retract

²

[ri-trakt]

verb (used with object)

1. to withdraw (a statement, opinion, etc.) as inaccurate or unjustified, especially formally or explicitly; take back.

   Synonyms: annul, nullify, abrogate, recant, renounce, deny

2. to withdraw or revoke (a decree, promise, etc.).

   Synonyms: annul, nullify, abrogate, recant, renounce, deny

verb (used without object)

1. to draw or shrink back.

2. to withdraw a promise, vow, etc.

3. to make a disavowal of a statement, opinion, etc.; recant.

retract

/ ˌriːtrækˈteɪʃən, rɪˈtrækt /

verb

1. (tr) to draw in (a part or appendage)

   a snail can retract its horns

   to retract the landing gear of an aircraft

2. to withdraw (a statement, opinion, charge, etc) as invalid or unjustified

3. to go back on (a promise or agreement)

4. (intr) to shrink back, as in fear

5. phonetics to modify the articulation of (a vowel) by bringing the tongue back away from the lips

Other Word Forms

• retractable adjective
• retractible adjective
• retractability noun
• retractibility noun
• retractation noun
• unretractable adjective
• retractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retract¹

1400–50; late Middle English retracten < Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere to draw back, equivalent to re- re- + tractus ( tract ¹ )

Origin of retract²

1535–45; < Latin retractāre to reconsider, withdraw, equivalent to re- re- + tractāre to drag, pull, take in hand (frequentative of trahere to pull)

Word History and Origins

Origin of retract¹

C16: from Latin retractāre to withdraw, from tractāre to pull, from trahere to drag

Example Sentences

The party has told him that any future readmission would be conditional on him publicly retracting posts that had been complained about, apologising and undertaking safeguarding training.

From BBC

The victim noticed the phone and yelled before it was retracted and the individual fled, according to deputies.

From Los Angeles Times

Late Friday afternoon, Edward Yen, executive officer for the Board of Supervisors, sent out an email “retracting” the new county policy that required many communications by oversight bodies to undergo prior approval.

From Los Angeles Times

If a recording does not exist, I ask Sen. Mullin to retract his line of questions.

From Los Angeles Times

Ninety minutes later, he sheepishly retracted the statement.

From Salon

Related Words

• back down 
• back off 
• cancel 
• deny 
• disavow 
• disown 
• pull back 
• recant 
• renege 
• renounce 
• repeal 
• repudiate 
• rescind 
• reverse 
• revoke 
• rule out 
• take back 
• withdraw