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retract
1[ ri-trakt ]
/ rɪˈtrækt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to draw back or in: to retract fangs.
verb (used without object)
to draw back within itself or oneself, fold up, or the like, or to be capable of doing this: The blade retracts.
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Words nearby retract
retort, retortion, retouch, retox, retrace, retract, retractile, retraction, retraction nystagmus, retractive, retractor
Other definitions for retract (2 of 2)
retract2
[ ri-trakt ]
/ rɪˈtrækt /
verb (used with object)
to withdraw (a statement, opinion, etc.) as inaccurate or unjustified, especially formally or explicitly; take back.
to withdraw or revoke (a decree, promise, etc.).
verb (used without object)
to draw or shrink back.
to withdraw a promise, vow, etc.
to make a disavowal of a statement, opinion, etc.; recant.
Origin of retract
21535–45; <Latin retractāre to reconsider, withdraw, equivalent to re-re- + tractāre to drag, pull, take in hand (frequentative of trahere to pull)
OTHER WORDS FROM retract
re·tract·a·ble, re·tract·i·ble, adjectivere·tract·a·bil·i·ty, re·tract·i·bil·i·ty, nounre·trac·ta·tion [ree-trak-tey-shuhn], /ˌri trækˈteɪ ʃən/, nounun·re·tract·a·ble, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use retract in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for retract
retract
/ (rɪˈtrækt) /
verb
(tr) to draw in (a part or appendage)a snail can retract its horns; to retract the landing gear of an aircraft
to withdraw (a statement, opinion, charge, etc) as invalid or unjustified
to go back on (a promise or agreement)
(intr) to shrink back, as in fear
phonetics to modify the articulation of (a vowel) by bringing the tongue back away from the lips
Derived forms of retract
retractable or retractible, adjectiveretractability or retractibility, nounretractation (ˌriːtrækˈteɪʃən), nounretractive, adjectiveWord Origin for retract
C16: from Latin retractāre to withdraw, from tractāre to pull, from trahere to drag
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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