retract Definition
- 1to take back something that you have said or agreed
- 2to pull something back into something; to withdraw something
Using retract: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retract" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The newspaper was forced to retract its story.
Example
He retracted his hand from the fire.
Example
The cat retracted its claws.
Example
She retracted her statement after realizing it was false.
retract Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with retract
Example
I realized I had left my phone at the office and had to retract my steps to retrieve it.
Example
After realizing he was wrong, he retracted his horns and apologized for his behavior.
retract one's neck
to pull one's head back in a defensive or fearful manner
Example
The turtle retracted its neck into its shell when it sensed danger.
Origins of retract
from Latin 'retractare', meaning 'to draw back'
Summary: retract in Brief
To 'retract' [rɪˈtrækt] means to take back something that has been said or agreed upon, or to pull something back into something. Examples include 'The newspaper was forced to retract its story,' and 'She retracted her statement after realizing it was false.' The phrase 'retract one's steps' means to go back along the same route, while 'retract one's horns' means to become less aggressive or argumentative.