Meaning & Definition of word "Retract"

Retract

/rɪˈtrækt/

1. to withdraw or take back a statement, opinion, or promise.
- Example: After realizing his mistake, he had to retract his earlier statement.
2. to pull back or draw in.
- Example: The cat retracted its claws before jumping down.
3. to annul or revoke.
- Example: 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.

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.