retract

¹ American  

[ri-trakt] / rɪˈtrækt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw back or in.

   to retract fangs.

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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 American  

[ri-trakt] / rɪˈtrækt /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

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)

Example Sentences

"I think they retracted from positions they originally took in an attempt to show that they were going to try to make changes."

From BBC

Sarwar has said he feels "liberated" by the position he has taken and has retracted nothing.

From BBC

The publisher then retracted specific claims about the role of shareholder Hao Tang, but stood by its skepticism of AppLovin’s financial structure.

From Barron's

It said Mohammadi "was forced to make self-incriminating confessions in the investigation phase which he later retracted in court", but the court then rejected this.

From Barron's

“Tactics: get Fergie to retract; hold newspapers accountable; filing a formal complaint with the Press Complaints Commission.”

From Los Angeles Times

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