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 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

University officials on Wednesday issued a retraction after erroneously declaring in a statement Burnett had died. —Antonio Planas, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024

One, who had sent him a racist insult, followed up his bile with a private retraction. —Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 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