v.
- draw or be drawn back or back in.
- withdraw (a statement or accusation) as untrue or unjustified.
▸withdraw or go back on (an undertaking).
Derivative
- retractable adj.
- retraction n.
- retractive adj.
Etymology
ME: from L. retract-, retrahere ‘draw back’; the senses ‘withdraw a statement’ and ‘go back on’ via OFr. from retractare ‘reconsider’.
