retract

• 动词，表示收回、撤回（说过的话、声明、指控等），或使某物缩回、缩进（如爪子、部件）。

A verb used to indicate the act of drawing back, taking back, or withdrawing a statement, claim, or part of the body.

1. Formally withdraw a statementB2formal

   To take back or disavow a previously made statement, claim, or belief, often due to pressure or new evidence.

   撤回

   • The politician was forced to retract his earlier comments after the backlash.
   • She retracted her accusation when she realized she had been mistaken.
   • The newspaper had to retract the false story and issue an apology.

   同义词abjuredisavowforswearrecantrenouncerepudiatetake backunsaywithdraw

   反义词affirmassertavowconfirmmaintain

2. Pull back in fear or disgustB2formal

   To draw or pull something back, especially as a reaction to something unpleasant or frightening.

   缩回

   • He retracted his hand quickly after touching the hot stove.
   • The cat retracted its claws when it was startled.
   • She retracted from the foul smell emanating from the dumpster.

   同义词cringedraw backflinchpull backrecoilshrinkwincewithdraw

   反义词advanceapproachproceed

3. Surgical retractionC1formal

   To use a medical instrument to hold back the edges of a wound, incision, or organ during a surgical procedure.

   牵开（外科）

   • The surgeon used a clamp to retract the skin during the operation.
   • The assistant carefully retracted the muscle tissue to expose the bone.
   • Retracting the wound edges allowed the doctor better access to the internal organ.

   同义词draw backhold backpull back

4. Pull inward or toward a centerB2formal

   To draw something back into its original or central position.

   缩回

   • The landing gear retracted smoothly after takeoff.
   • The turtle retracted its head into its shell for protection.
   • The antenna retracts automatically when the car enters the garage.

   同义词draw backdraw inpull backpull inwithdraw

   反义词extendprotrude