retract
/rɪˈtrækt/
verb
- To take back or withdraw a statement, accusation, or promise, admitting it was wrong.
- He retracted his harsh words after realizing he had misunderstood the situation.
- The politician refused to retract the claim even when presented with evidence.
- The newspaper had to retract its false story about the celebrity.
- To pull something back or inward, such as a part of a machine or an animal's body part.
- The turtle retracted its head into its shell when it sensed danger.
- The pilot retracted the landing gear after takeoff.
- The cat can retract its claws when it doesn't need them.