Meaning & Definition of Retract in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To draw back or withdraw something that has been offered or stated.

  Example Sentence: He had to retract his statement after realizing it was incorrect.

• Definition: To make an official withdrawal of a statement or promise.

  Example Sentence: The company retracted the claim after further investigation.

• Definition: To pull back or draw inward.

  Example Sentence: The cat will retract its claws when it feels safe.

• Definition: To cancel or revoke, especially in a formal context.

  Example Sentence: She retracted her application for the position.

• Definition: To take back words or statements, often under pressure.

  Example Sentence: He was forced to retract his accusations against her.

Etymology

Origin: Late Latin 'retractare', from 're-' (back) + 'tractare' (to handle)

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• retract a statement: to officially take back something previously said.
• retract an offer: to withdraw a proposal or offer.
• retract claws: to pull back the sharp parts of an animal's foot.

Translations

• Spanish: retraer

• French: rétracter

• German: zurückziehen

• Russian: отзывать

Related Words

• withdraw: to take back or away something that was given or offered.

• revoke: to take back or annul a decision or statement.

Slang Meanings of retract

• Meaning: to backtrack on something you said

  Example Sentence: He was called out on his mistake and had to retract.

• Meaning: to take back a claim or accusation informally

  Example Sentence: After the argument, she just retracted what she said before going to bed.