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

But the instant retraction of much of the world’s food and health-care infrastructure will create damage that cannot be undone. —Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025

By the time the retraction went public, Kevin Smith had resigned as the ERLC's executive committee chair and from its board. —Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 23 July 2024

The short cable should withstand 20,000 bends, while the long one should withstand 20,000 retractions. —Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 8 Jan. 2025

Four months after the initial broadcast, as Young's lawyers demanded a retraction, CNN offered a correction on Tapper's show. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 5 Jan. 2025

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