retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction.

the retraction of the plane's landing gear

Recent Examples on the Web

In the lawsuit, Loomer also claimed that Real Time rejected a retraction and apology, and declined a request that she be invited to appear on the show. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024

However, a Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet spokesperson said Wayfair requested a retraction of the notice that same day. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 16 Oct. 2024

Nor do the notices requesting retractions sent to the journals where the papers were published. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024

However, Twitch — like a lot of tech companies these days — is undergoing a period of retraction. —Ash Parrish, The Verge, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: a statement taking back something previously said

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act or instance of retracting

specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part

retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act of taking back or withdrawing

retraction of a confession

her retraction of the defamatory statement