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  

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

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Etymology

Origin of retract¹

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

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Explanation

Have you ever said something you wish you could retract, or take back? You're not alone. Even newspapers and magazines have sections where the editors can retract something written that was incorrect. The sense of the word retract meaning to draw back or withdraw comes from the mid-16th century, and its meaning was clear when Napoleon Bonaparte said, "In politics...never retreat, never retract...never admit a mistake." Still, sometimes you wish you could retract something you said or did. Cats can retract their claws, and some snakes can retract their fangs, but words spoken in anger can never be fully retracted, or taken back.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

retract

She called on Raman to retract her remarks and issue an apology, saying Gates “inflicted serious harm to the African American community.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Instead, the cybercriminals are asking the agency to retract an advisory that it issued about the gang, saying it was "offended" by its characterisation.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

Some have fixed coverings that retract; others, often called “moonroofs,” are single pieces of glass.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Jeanie Buss’ attorney demanded her brothers retract statements the Buss family is selling its 17.8% ownership stake, citing a court ruling she is to be owner for life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

He quickly pushed the retract button and the door squealed, then started closing again.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

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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

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