Retract Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
retract
[rษชหtrรฆkt ]
Definitions
legal
To withdraw or take back (a statement, accusation, promise, etc.) as untrue or unjustified.
Synonyms
recant, revoke, take back, withdraw.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| retract |
Used when someone formally takes back a statement or an accusation that they previously made. Often seen in legal or official contexts.
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| withdraw |
Used when someone removes or takes away something, such as an offer, statement, or participation in an activity. Common in both formal and informal contexts.
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| take back |
Informal expression used in everyday language to indicate taking back words, promises, or items. It is less formal than 'retract' or 'recant'.
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| revoke |
Appropriate for situations where an official or formal cancellation of something like a right, decision, or document is involved.
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| recant |
Refers specifically to the formal rejection or disavowal of a previously held belief or statement, often under pressure or due to a change in personal conviction. Usually involves public or official settings.
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Examples of usage
- I retract my previous statement.
- The witness decided to retract her testimony.
general
To draw back or in; to recede.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| retract |
This word is often used in formal situations where someone takes back a statement, accusation, or promise. It is also used in mechanical or scientific contexts to describe something being drawn back.
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| withdraw |
Used in both formal and informal contexts, this term indicates taking something or oneself back from a situation. It can refer to money, statements, or removing oneself from social situations.
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| pull back |
Mostly used in more informal or colloquial speech, 'pull back' can describe a physical action or a strategic decision to move away from a position or plan.
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| recede |
Often used to describe the gradual movement away or diminishing of something, such as water, hairline, or a memory. Usually has a more descriptive, observational tone.
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Examples of usage
- The cat can retract its claws.
- The wheels on the plane retract during takeoff.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often retract statements when they realize they were wrong, adding drama to conversations.
- Social media platforms offer 'retract' features to delete statements or posts made in haste.
- Famous public figures have retracted controversial statements, showcasing accountability in media.
Legal
- In legal contexts, a retraction can be used to withdraw a libelous statement, aiming to mitigate damage.
- Retractions in scientific research address errors in published studies, maintaining integrity in scientific discourse.
- Retraction of public statements can influence credibility and reputations in various professions.
Psychology
- Retracting statements often involves cognitive dissonance, where oneโs beliefs and actions are inconsistent.
- The act of retracting can lead to relief, but also anxiety, depending on the context and audience.
- The ability to retract a statement is linked to emotional intelligence as it often requires self-awareness and humility.
Literature
- Many authors create plot twists where characters must retract their words, leading to unexpected outcomes.
- Classic literature often explores themes of retraction, duplicity, and the consequences of speaking too soon.
- Retractions in narratives can serve as critical turning points in a story, affecting character development.
Origin of 'retract'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'retract' comes from the Latin 'retractare', meaning 'to draw back' or 'to pull back'.
- The prefix 're-' means 'back', while 'tract' refers to 'pulling', indicating a literal act of pulling something back.
- The term has been used in English since the 15th century, originally in legal contexts.
The word 'retract' originated from the Latin word 'retractare', which means 'to handle, manage, consider, deliberate'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of pulling back or withdrawing. The verb 'retract' has been used in English since the 15th century.
See also: detract, intractable, protract, protracted, protraction, protractor, subtract, subtraction, tract, tractability, tractable, traction, tractor.