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retract

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retract

Main Entry:: re·tract
Pronunciation:: \ri-ˈtrakt\
Function:: verb
Etymology:: Middle English, from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere — more at retreat
Date:: 15th century

transitive verb1: to draw back or in <cats retract their claws>2 a: take back, withdraw <retract a confession> b: disavowintransitive verb1: to draw or pull back2: to recant or disavow something

synonyms see abjure, recede

— re·tract·able

Listen to the pronunciation of retractable

\-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\ adjective

Learn more about "retract" and related topics at Britannica.com

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