recantation
UK: ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən | US: ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən
n. a formal public statement rejecting a previously held belief or opinion
n. the act of retracting or disavowing a statement
recantation = re<again/back> + cant<sing/speak> + ation<noun suffix>
- re: From Latin re-, meaning "again" or "back."
- cant: From Latin cantare, meaning "to sing" or "to chant," later extended to "to speak" (often with a connotation of insincerity, as in "cant" meaning hypocritical talk).
- ation: A noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin recantare ("to sing again" or "to revoke"), combining re- (back) and cantare (to sing). In ecclesiastical Latin, it referred to retracting a heretical statement by "singing" a renunciation. Over time, recantation evolved to denote any formal withdrawal of a belief or statement, often under pressure. The root cant also gives rise to words like chant and enchant, reflecting its musical origins.
The scholar’s recantation of his controversial theory shocked the academic community.
Under threat of excommunication, Galileo issued a recantation of his heliocentric views.
Her recantation during the trial undermined her credibility as a witness.
The politician’s recantation of his earlier statements was seen as a tactical retreat.
Historical records show many recantations during the Spanish Inquisition.