retract
1
[ ri-trakt ]
/ rɪˈtrækt /
verb (used with object)
to draw back or in: to retract fangs.
verb (used without object)
to draw back within itself or oneself, fold up, or the like, or to be capable of doing this: The blade retracts.
Words nearby retract
retort,
retortion,
retouch,
retox,
retrace,
retract,
retractile,
retraction,
retraction nystagmus,
retractive,
retractor
Definition for retract (2 of 2)
retract
2
[ ri-trakt ]
/ rɪˈtrækt /
verb (used with object)
to withdraw (a statement, opinion, etc.) as inaccurate or unjustified, especially formally or explicitly; take back.
to withdraw or revoke (a decree, promise, etc.).
verb (used without object)
to draw or shrink back.
to withdraw a promise, vow, etc.
to make a disavowal of a statement, opinion, etc.; recant.
Origin of retract
2
1535–45; < Latin
retractāre to reconsider, withdraw, equivalent to
re-
re- +
tractāre to drag, pull, take in hand (frequentative of
trahere to pull)
OTHER WORDS FROM retract
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-shuhn] /ˌri trækˈteɪ ʃən/, noun un·re·tract·a·ble, adjectiveExample sentences from the Web for retract
British Dictionary definitions for retract
retract
/ (rɪˈtrækt) /
verb
(tr)
to draw in (a part or appendage)
a snail can retract its horns; to retract the landing gear of an aircraft
to withdraw (a statement, opinion, charge, etc) as invalid or unjustified
to go back on (a promise or agreement)
(intr)
to shrink back, as in fear
phonetics
to modify the articulation of (a vowel) by bringing the tongue back away from the lips
Derived forms of retract
retractable or retractible, adjective retractability or retractibility, noun retractation (ˌriːtrækˈteɪʃən), noun retractive, adjectiveWord Origin for retract
C16: from Latin
retractāre to withdraw, from
tractāre to pull, from
trahere to drag