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
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of retraction was
in the 14th century
Articles Related to retraction
Dictionary Entries Near retraction
Cite this Entry
“Retraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retraction. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on retraction
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retraction
Britannica English: Translation of retraction for Arabic Speakers
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