Definition of Retract

1. Verb. Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure. "She abjured her beliefs"

Exact synonyms: Abjure, Forswear, Recant, Resile
Generic synonyms: Disown, Renounce, Repudiate
Derivative terms: Abjuration, Abjurer, Forswearing, Recantation, Retraction

2. Verb. Pull away from a source of disgust or fear.
Exact synonyms: Shrink Back
Generic synonyms: Cringe, Flinch, Funk, Quail, Recoil, Shrink, Squinch, Wince

3. Verb. Use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ).
Exact synonyms: Draw Back, Pull Back
Generic synonyms: Pull
Derivative terms: Retractor

4. Verb. Pull inward or towards a center. "The cat retracted his claws"
Exact synonyms: Draw In
Generic synonyms: Attract, Draw, Draw In, Pull, Pull In
Related verbs: Attract, Draw, Draw In, Pull, Pull In
Specialized synonyms: Introvert, Invaginate
Derivative terms: Retraction

Definition of Retract

1. v. t. To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.

2. v. i. To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.

3. n. The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.

Definition of Retract

1. to take back [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Retract

1. 1. To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle. 2. Ti withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion. "I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it." (Bp. Stillingfleet) 3. To take back, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke. Synonym: To recal, withdraw, rescind, revoke, unsay, disavow, recant, abjure, disown. Origin: F. Retracter, L. Retractare, retractatum, to handle again, reconsider, retract, fr. Retrahere, retractum, to draw back. See Retreat. 1. To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation. 2. To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration. "She will, and she will not; she grants, denies, Consents, retracts, advances, and then files." (Granville) The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Retract

retour
retoured
retouring
retours
retrace
retraced
retracer
retracers
retraces
retracing
retrack
retracked
retracking
retracks
retract (current term)
retract (current term)
retractable
retractation
retracted
retracted publication
retractile
retractile
retractile testis
retractilities
retractility
retracting
retraction
retraction
retractions
retraction fibre

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