retract
/ɹɪˈtɹækt/ verb C1- To pull (something) back or back inside. · An airplane retracts its wheels for flight.
- To draw (an extended body part) back into the body. · A cat can retract its claws.
- To pronounce (a sound, especially a vowel) farther to the back of the vocal tract.
- To draw back; to draw up; to withdraw. · The bus was stuck at the stop as its wheelchair ramp wouldn’t retract after use.· Muscles retract after amputation.
He/she/it retracts · Past retracted · Past participle retracted · -ing form retracting
Verb forms
- Base form
- retract
- He/she/it
- retracts
- Past
- retracted
- Past participle
- retracted
- -ing form
- retracting
From the library
Let things take their course; perhaps you may not have to retract.”
I am going to Beauchamp, in whose journal this paragraph appears, and I shall insist on his retracting the assertion before two witnesses.”
“Beauchamp will never retract.”
If Beauchamp be disposed to retract, you ought at least to give him the opportunity of doing it of his own free will,—the satisfaction to you will be the same.
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