retract
UK: rɪˈtrækt | US: rɪˈtrækt
vt. to withdraw or take back (a statement, promise, etc.)
vt. to draw or pull back (an object or part)
vi. to shrink back physically or figuratively
retract = re<back> + tract<pull>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again."
- tract: From Latin tractus (to pull, drag), seen in words like traction or attract.
Etymology Origin:
Retract originates from Latin retractare ("to draw back"), combining re- (back) and tractare (to handle or pull). The word evolved through Old French retracter before entering English, retaining its core idea of pulling back—whether physically (e.g., a retractable pen) or metaphorically (e.g., retracting a statement).
The newspaper was forced to retract the false story.
The cat’s claws retract when it walks.
He refused to retract his controversial remarks.
The landing gear retracts after takeoff.
Some animals retract their limbs for protection.