retract: Meaning and Definition of

re•tract

Pronunciation: (ri-trakt'), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to draw back or in: to retract fangs.
—v.i.
  1. to draw back within itself or oneself, fold up, or the like, or to be capable of doing this: The blade retracts.

re•tract

Pronunciation: (ri-trakt'), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to withdraw (a statement, opinion, etc.) as inaccurate or unjustified, esp. formally or explicitly; take back.
  2. to withdraw or revoke (a decree, promise, etc.).
—v.i.
  1. to draw or shrink back.
  2. to withdraw a promise, vow, etc.
  3. to make a disavowal of a statement, opinion, etc.; recant.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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