Definitions of retract:

  • verb:   use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
  • verb:   pull away from a source of disgust or fear
  • verb:   pull inward or towards a center
    Example: "The cat retracted his claws"
  • verb:   formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
    Example: "He retracted his earlier statements about his religion"