Retract
To withdraw or revoke a statement, claim, or commitment; to pull back something that has been extended or stated.
verbRetract
To withdraw or revoke a statement, claim, or commitment; to pull back something that has been extended or stated.
verbImagine This
Imagine a scientist posting a bold result online. After peer review reveals flaws, the scientist quickly retracts the claim, clearing the record as a cursor erases the words from the screen.
Sounds Like
/rɪˈtrækt/ (rih-TRACT)
Looks Like
The word visually resembles other -tract words like contract or extract; shares the Latin root tract/tractus meaning to draw or pull.
Remember This
Retract comes from Latin retractus, meaning drawn back. The common root tract/tract- means to pull or draw; prefix re- means back or again.
Other Forms
Connect With
withdraw, recant, revoke, renounce, pull back
Note
Use retract when taking back a statement or action. Do not confuse with 'withdraw' in all contexts (withdraw can also refer to taking money out or removing support). For physical objects, retract often describes something that can be drawn back into a body or housing (e.g., a retractable antenna).