[re.tract] vb [ME, fr. L retractus, pp. of retrahere--more at retreat] vt (15c) 1: to draw back or in "cats ~ their claws"
2. a: take back, withdraw "~ a confession" b: disavow ~ vi 1: to draw or pull back
2: to recant or disavow something syn see abjure, recede -- re.tract.able adj