retract
word
Definition
To pull something back or take back a statement, promise, or claim, often because it was wrong or not true.
Usage & Nuances
Often formal; 'retract a statement,' 'retract a promise', and 'retract claws' are standard phrases. Used for physical and non-physical (spoken/written) things. Do not confuse with 'retractable' (able to be retracted).
Spanish: retractar - retirarPortuguese (BR): retratar - recolherPortuguese (PT): retratar - recolherChinese (Simplified): 收回 - 撤回Chinese (Traditional): 收回 - 撤回Hindi: वापस लेना - खींच लेनाArabic: يتراجع - يسحبBengali: পিছু হটান - প্রত্যাহার করাRussian: отозвать - взять назад - втянутьJapanese: 撤回する - 引っ込めるVietnamese: rút lại - thu vàoKorean: 철회하다 - 집어넣다Turkish: geri çekmek - geri almakUrdu: واپس لینا - واپس کھینچناIndonesian: menarik kembali - mencabut
Example Sentences
He decided to retract his statement in court.
basic
He refused to retract his controversial tweet, even after criticism.
natural
Cats can retract their claws when they walk.
basic
The company had to retract its advertisement after complaints.
basic
After the mistake was spotted, the editor quickly retracted the article.
natural
The bridge can retract to let boats pass underneath.
natural