formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure; He retracted his earlier statements about his religion; She abjured her beliefs

[ Syn: abjure , recant , forswear , resile ]

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)

[ Syn: pull back , draw back ]

pull inward or towards a center; The pilot drew in the landing gear; The cat retracted his claws

[ Syn: draw in ]