recant

[ ri-kant ]

verb (used with object)

1. to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), especially formally; retract.

   Synonyms: deny, rescind, recall, revoke

verb (used without object)

1. to withdraw or disavow a statement, opinion, etc., especially formally.

recant

/ ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən; rɪˈkænt /

verb

1. to repudiate or withdraw (a former belief or statement), esp formally in public

Derived Forms

• recantation, noun
• reˈcanter, noun

Other Words From

• re·can·ta·tion [ree-kan-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• re·canter noun
• re·canting·ly adverb
• unre·canted adjective
• unre·canting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

1525–35; < Latin recantāre to sing back, sing again, equivalent to re- re- + cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing; chant

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

C16: from Latin recantāre to sing again, from re- + cantāre to sing; see chant

Example Sentences

But he says security personnel detained him, hit him on the head with a pistol and forced him to sign a document recanting his evidence.

From BBC

Eventually, she signed a sworn declaration formally recanting.

From Los Angeles Times

When the Hall of Fame running back said he gets nervous before every game, Harbaugh recanted his original statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Members of the congregation were urged to publicly recant their sins.

From BBC

She later recanted, then said she started the fire while testing a lighter on the brush, Blakemore said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annul
• back down
• back off
• backtrack
• contradict
• disavow
• disown
• renege
• renounce
• repudiate
• rescind
• retract
• revoke
• take back