Skip to content

Retract Definition & Meaning

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"
  2. pull away from a source of disgust or fear
  3. use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
  4. pull inward or towards a center; "The pilot drew in the landing gear"; "The cat retracted his claws"

Usage tips for "retract"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "retract" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for retract to find words that pair well.

Use "retract" in a verse

Now that you know what "retract" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does retract mean?
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure; "He retracted his earlier statements about his religion"; "She abjured her beliefs" pull away from a source of disgust or fear use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ) pull inward or towards a center; "The pilot drew in the landing gear"; "The cat retracted his claws"
What part of speech is retract?
Retract is a verb.
How many definitions does retract have?
Retract has 4 definitions across 1 part of speech (verb).

Look up another word