/ rɪˈtreɪs; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to go back along exactly the same path or route that you have come along :
She turned around and began to retrace her steps towards the house.
2.
to make the same trip that sb else has made in the past :
They are hoping to retrace the epic voyage of Christopher Columbus.
( figurative )
3.
to find out what sb has done or where they have been :
Detectives are trying to retrace her movements on the night she disappeared.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: from French retracer .