English dictionary

retract

/r/I/'tr/&/kt/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

verb.communication

Examples
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion.

Synonyms abjure forswear recant resile

Source: WordNet 3.0
pull away from a source of disgust or fear

verb.motion

Synonyms shrink back

Source: WordNet 3.0
use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)

verb.contact

Synonyms draw back pull back

Source: WordNet 3.0
pull inward or towards a center

verb.contact

Examples
The cat retracted his claws.

Synonyms draw in

Source: WordNet 3.0
To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.

verb

Source: webster1913
To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.

verb

Source: webster1913