# retract

/ɹiˈtɹækt/ (US) · /ɹɪtɹˈækt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retract
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to pull something back inside, or to say that something you said before was not true. You use this when a cat pulls in its claws or when a person takes back a public statement.

For teachers: to draw or pull something back or inwards; to formally withdraw a statement, accusation, or promise. Transitive when referring to physical movement or verbal withdrawal; occasionally intransitive in biological contexts.

## Examples

- The cat will retract its claws when it feels safe.
- The newspaper was forced to retract the story after new evidence proved the main witness had lied.
- The landing gear failed to retract fully into the fuselage, forcing the pilot to declare an emergency and return to the airfield for a manual inspection.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive when taking an object like 'claws', 'landing gear', or 'statement'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.