Retract

/rɪˈtrækt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to withdraw or take back a statement, opinion, or promise.

After realizing his mistake, he had to retract his earlier statement.

to pull back or draw in.

The cat retracted its claws before jumping down.

to annul or revoke.

The company had to retract the job offer after the candidate failed the background check.

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

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.

withdraw

to take back or away something that was given or offered.

revoke

to take back or annul a decision or statement.

to backtrack on something you said

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

to take back a claim or accusation informally

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