retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction.

the retraction of the plane's landing gear

Recent Examples on the Web

After the retraction of the previous guidance, investors are even more concerned with Nike's ability to restore growth. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

But Young said the network fell short of a full retraction of the story. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Research misconduct hit an all-time high last year, with the number of journal article retractions hitting more than 10,000, Nature reported. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 16 Sep. 2024

Following the controversy, Chiles released a statement about her bronze medal retraction. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: a statement taking back something previously said

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act or instance of retracting

specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part

retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act of taking back or withdrawing

retraction of a confession

her retraction of the defamatory statement