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

Derived Forms

• reˈtractable, adjective
• reˈtractive, adjective
• retractation, noun
• reˌtractaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• re·tracta·ble re·tracti·ble adjective
• re·tracta·bili·ty re·tracti·bili·ty noun
• re·trac·ta·tion [ree-trak-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• unre·tracta·ble 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

A 2005 screed alleging the link, published jointly by Rolling Stone and Salon.com, was so stuffed with falsehoods that it was retracted by both publications.

From Los Angeles Times

Within months of the gala, he retracted his secret plea.

From New York Times

After the attack, Carrillo’s “baton no longer retracted, even after he repeatedly banged the baton into the concrete pavement in an attempt to collapse it,” prosecutors wrote in the memo.

From Los Angeles Times

But he was forced to retract the sacking following massive public protests in several cities in Israel - an event that became known as "Gallant Night."

From BBC

And of course, Brett Baier is a totally partisan Republican who was embarrassed his network did accurate coverage during the last presidential election when they called Arizona, and he wanted them to retract the call.

From Salon

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