Retract

v. t. [imp. & p. p. RETRACTED; p. pr. & vb. n. RETRACTING.] [Fr. rétracter, Sp. retractar, It. ritrattare, Lat. retractare, from retrahere, retractum, to draw back, from re, again, back, and trahere, to draw.]

1Sense 1. To draw back, as claws.

2Sense 2. To withdraw; to recall, as a declaration, words, or saying; to disavow; to recant; as, to re-tract an accusation, charge, or assertion.

I would as freely have retracted the charge of idolatry, as I ever made it. Stillingfleet.

3Sense 3. To take back what was once bestowed as a grant or favor. [Obs.] Woodward.

Synonyms—To recall; withdraw; revoke; unsay; disavow; recant; abjure; disown.

To take back what has been said; to withdraw concession or declaration.

She will, and she will not: she grants, denies, Consents, retracts, advances, and then flies. Granville.