retract meaning and definition

RETRACT verb

Definition of retract (verb)

1. formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
   • "He retracted his earlier statements about his religion"; "She abjured her beliefs"
   • synonyms: abjure, forswear, recant, resile
2. pull away from a source of disgust or fear
   • synonyms: shrink back
3. use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
   • synonyms: draw back, pull back
4. pull inward or towards a center
   • "The pilot drew in the landing gear"; "The cat retracted his claws"
   • synonyms: draw in