Retract

Definition

Retract is a verb meaning (1) to draw back or pull inward; (2) to withdraw a statement, promise, or claim; (3) to disavow something previously asserted; or (4) in formal/scientific use, to cancel or invalidate (e.g., a research paper). As a noun (rare), it refers to the act of retracting.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive & intransitive)
• Noun (rare)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /rɪˈtrækt/
• Respelling: rih-TRAKT

British English

• IPA: /rɪˈtrækt/
• Respelling: rih-TRAKT

Etymology

Late Middle English from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere “draw back,” from re- “back” + trahere “to draw, drag.” In figurative senses (withdraw a statement), the usage is attested since the 16th century.

Derivatives

• retraction (noun) — the act of retracting; a formal withdrawal of a statement or publication
• retractable (adjective) — capable of being drawn back or withdrawn
• retractility (noun; rare) — quality of being retractile

Synonyms

• withdraw
• recant
• renounce
• rescind
• cancel
• pull back

Antonyms

• assert
• confirm
• advance
• proclaim
• endorse

Usage

Verb: “The scientist had to retract his earlier claim after new evidence was published.” / “He quickly retracted his hand from the flame.” / “The journalist refused to retract the controversial article.”

Related Terms

• Recant: To formally withdraw a belief or statement, especially under pressure.
• Rescind: To revoke or annul a law, order, or agreement.
• Recall: To bring back or withdraw something (e.g., a product recall).
• Disavow: To deny responsibility for or connection with something.
• Retractile: Able to be drawn back (used in anatomy/zoology).

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To draw back or pull inward — often of physical objects, parts, or limbs.
  • Example: “The cat retracted its claws after play.”
• To withdraw a statement, promise, or claim — often in formal, public, or legal contexts.
  • Example: “The newspaper retracted its inaccurate report.”
• To disavow something previously asserted — similar to recantation, often under scrutiny or new evidence.
  • Example: “Under questioning, the witness retracted his testimony.”
• To cancel or invalidate — particularly of academic or scientific work.
  • Example: “The journal formally retracted the fraudulent study.”

Noun (rare)

• The act of retracting — withdrawal, disavowal, or drawing back.
  • Example: “The retract of his earlier remarks came too late.”