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

The structure is made from wood and features telescoping carbon-fiber tubes that allow for easy expansion and retraction. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024

The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, which is owned by Elsevier and the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, issued a formal retraction. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

The drop was responsible, in part, for global sales retraction that led to a fall in profits last quarter. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024

Hong Kong’s art market has suffered a retraction amid a slowing Chinese economy, with auctions reporting higher unsold rates and lower sales figures than in recent years. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 3 Dec. 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