Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of pulling something back or inward: The physical movement of drawing a part of something back into itself or into a main body.
   • A formal withdrawal of a statement or opinion: The act of taking back something one has said or written, especially because it was incorrect or unjust.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physical Act):

  • The automatic retraction of the airplane's wheels after takeoff is complete.
  • The cat watched the retraction of the lizard's tongue.

• Noun (Withdrawal of a Statement):

  • The newspaper published a full retraction of the false story.
  • Under pressure, the scientist issued a retraction of her earlier claims.

Advanced Usage

• "To issue a retraction": To formally publish or declare that a previous statement is being withdrawn.
  • The journalist was forced to issue a retraction after the facts were disproven.

Variants and Related Words

• Retract (verb): To draw back in or to withdraw a statement.
  • The company had to retract its misleading advertisement.
• Retractable (adjective): Capable of being drawn back or in.
  • The pen has a retractable tip for safety.

Synonyms

• Withdrawal: The act of taking something back or removing it.
• Recantation: A formal statement that one gives up a former belief or opinion.

Related Phrases

• Letter of retraction: A formal written document withdrawing a previous statement.
  • He sent a letter of retraction to all the major news outlets.

Noun

1. the act of pulling or holding or drawing a part back
   • the retraction of the landing gear
   • retraction of the foreskin
2. a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion