ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›R›retract
ISEE/SSATmedium
retract
to pull back or withdraw something previously stated or extended
Synonyms
Antonyms
- extend
- affirm
- maintain
retract in a sentence
The turtle will quickly retract its head whenever a shadow passes overhead.
Embarrassed by his hasty accusation, the student stood up in class and chose to retract his earlier comment about his classmate.
Where it comes from
From Latin retractare 'to withdraw, draw back'
Memory hook
reTRACT — TRACT (pull, from Latin trahere) — to PULL something back in.
Word parts
- tract — pull, drag
retract: re- (back) + tract (pull)
Read it in context
- The Winter Choice Nature