retract
What does "retract" mean?
To retract means to pull something back inside or to formally withdraw a statement, promise, or accusation that was previously made. The mental image is of a turtle pulling its head into its shell, or a person reaching out to grab back words that have already left their mouth. In professional or legal contexts, this word is used when someone admits that their previous claim was false or inappropriate and officially takes it back. It is also used technically for mechanical parts that pull inward, such as an airplane's landing gear or a retractable pen nib.
"retract" in conversation
A journalist correcting a mistake
You need to retract that claim about the mayor in the morning edition.
You need to retract that claim about the mayor in the morning edition.
Understood, I will issue a formal retraction immediately.
Understood, I will issue a formal retraction immediately.
Retract is often used with 'formal' or 'issue' in journalism.
Technical troubleshooting
The landing gear failed to retract after takeoff.
The landing gear failed to retract after takeoff.
That explains the drag we were feeling.
That explains the drag we were feeling.
Used here to describe a mechanical movement.
"retract" in a sentence
The snail began to retract its tentacles when I touched it.
The snail began to retract its tentacles when I touched it.
The newspaper was forced to retract the article due to factual errors.
The newspaper was forced to retract the article due to factual errors.
He refused to retract his statement, insisting that his testimony remained accurate despite the pressure.
He refused to retract his statement, insisting that his testimony remained accurate despite the pressure.
