RETRACT

v. n.

6 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

1.
v.

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

2.
v.

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.
v.

To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke. [Obs.] Woodward.

4.
v.

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

5.
v.

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.

6.
n.

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

← RETRACE R — all words RETRACTABLE →
Browse all “R” words Find “RETRACT” in other definitions

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.