retract

/rɪˈtrækt/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈtrækt/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈtrakt/ (ame, mw)

retract — verb

  • retractpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • retractshe / she / it
  • retractedpast simple
  • retracting-ing form

1. To publicly state that something you said or offered earlier is no longer true o

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

To publicly state that something you said or offered earlier is no longer true or valid, usually because it was a mistake or because new information shows it was wrong.

例句

The magazine retracted the article after the journalist admitted she had invented the story.

collocation: retract + article / statement

Dr. Okonkwo retracted his published findings when new evidence proved the opposite was true.

collocation: retract + findings

同義詞
  • withdraw

    broader meaning; can be physical or verbal; slightly less formal than retract

  • take back

    informal everyday equivalent; common in spoken English

  • recant

    specifically about giving up a belief or opinion, often under pressure

  • rescind

    most formal; used for official laws, contracts, or decisions

反義詞
  • assert

    to state something firmly and confidently

  • maintain

    to continue to hold a position or belief despite opposition

文法句型

retract + noun phrase (statement, offer, claim)

be retracted (passive)

用法筆記

Frequently found in news reporting, legal contexts, and formal apologies. The thing being retracted is always something that was previously communicated — a statement, claim, offer, or accusation. The passive form ('the claim was retracted') is very common.

常見錯誤

❌The store retracted the defective product from the shelf.
✅The store removed the defective product from the shelf.
💡'retract' applies to statements and offers, not to physical objects taken back into a shop.
❌I retracted my wallet from my pocket.
✅I took my wallet out of my pocket.
💡'retract' is far too formal for everyday physical actions and sounds unnatural.

2. To pull a part of something back into its main body or casing, especially a part

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

To pull a part of something back into its main body or casing, especially a part that was previously sticking out or extended.

例句

The turtle retracted its head and legs into its shell when I picked it up.

collocation: retract + body part into shell

After takeoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear and turned towards the ocean.

collocation: retract + landing gear

同義詞
  • pull back

    more general everyday term for any backward movement

  • draw in

    emphasises inward motion; slightly more literary

  • withdraw

    formal; can apply to military troops or positions retreating

反義詞
  • extend

    to stretch out or move outward

  • protrude

    to stick out from a surface

文法句型

retract + noun phrase (claws, gear, needle)

be retracted (passive)

用法筆記

The subject is often an animal (retracting claws, head, or limbs) or a machine (retracting landing gear, antenna, or a tape measure). Not used for ordinary everyday pulling of objects — do not say 'retract a door' or 'retract a drawer'.

常見錯誤

❌She retracted her hand from the hot stove.
✅She pulled her hand back from the hot stove.
💡'retract' implies a part designed to be drawn back into a casing, not a sudden reflexive movement.