retract

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re|tract /rɪtr'ækt/ (retracts retracting retracted)
1 [VERB] V n, V
If you retract something that you have said or written, you say that you did not mean it. (FORMAL)
Mr Smith hurriedly sought to retract the statement, but it had just been broadcast on national radio...
He's hoping that if he makes me feel guilty, I'll retract.
● retraction [N-COUNT] usu sing
Miss Pearce said she expected an unqualified retraction of his comments within twenty four hours.
= withdrawal
2 [VERB] V, also V n
When a part of a machine or a part of a person's body retracts or is retracted, it moves inwards or becomes shorter. (FORMAL)
Torn muscles retract, and lose strength, structure, and tightness.

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