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

Israel has called the IPC report "deeply flawed" and called for it to be retracted.

From BBC

The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national child advocacy group, retracted its offer to help search for the boy and a $5,000 reward for information about his disappearance.

From Los Angeles Times

The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a national child advocacy group, retracted its offer to help search for the boy and a $5,000 reward for information about his disappearance.

From Los Angeles Times

A letter from the first lady's lawyers and addressed to an attorney for Hunter Biden demands he retract the claim and apologise, or face legal action for "over $1bn in damages".

From BBC

Earlier this year, he declared himself a Nazi and retracted an apology for earlier comments.

From BBC

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