to retract

Examples

• All

• The stair boom detached from the base and retracted into the house.

  Fiction book (1999)

• When I say I want you to retract the flaps, retract the gear, trim us nose down, okay?

  Flight (2012)

• Getting the landing gear to retract was another issue.

  Academic text (2003)

• When all were seated, he touched a button to close the door and retract the steps.

  Fiction book (1993)

• Let your claws retract a bit.

  The Academy of Magic (2020)

• The blade retracts into the handle.

  Superstarlet A.D. (2000)

• "Our locks are our finest security feature," Bree said as the door retracted into the wall.

  Fiction book (1992)

• Retract the claws, please.

  Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)

• The bolts are retracted.

  Flypaper (2011)

• When the storm approached, the fisherman had to retract his fishing lines quickly.

Synonyms

P

to pull back

vsto retract

162 3.4

To move yourself and things backward from a place, person, or situation

focuses on bringing an extended part inward rather than mere retreat

R

to recede

vsto retract

29 4.8

To move back or become less strong

involves active pulling inward rather than gradual weakening or fading

D

to draw back

vsto retract

4 4.1

To move backwards away from something because of fear or surprise

focuses on pulling inward not moving away because of emotion

D

to draw in

vsto retract

1 3.9

Move something toward the centre

pulls something back so it is no longer extended

Antonyms

E

to extend

265 2.7

To reach out with your body or make something longer

P

to protrude

31 5.8

To stick out from a surface or edge

How Withdrawn

to retract

25 5.6

to withdraw

159 3.5

to remove

∞ 1.5

to pull back

162 3.4

Surface Forms

Etymology