formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure; He retracted his earlier statements about his religion; She abjured her beliefs
pull away from a source of disgust or fear
[ Syn: shrink back ]
use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
pull inward or towards a center; The pilot drew in the landing gear; The cat retracted his claws
[ Syn: draw in ]