retract retract /riːˈtrækt/

verb

1. () Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure  ( abjure , recant , resile , forswear , retract )
   formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
    He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
   He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
    She abjured her beliefs
   She abjured her beliefs
   
2. Pull inward or towards a center  ( retract , draw in )
   pull inward or towards a center
    The pilot drew in the landing gear
   The pilot drew in the landing gear
    The cat retracted his claws
   The cat retracted his claws
   
3. Use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)  ( draw back , pull back , retract )
   use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
   
4. Pull away from a source of disgust or fear  ( retract , shrink back )
   pull away from a source of disgust or fear