re, back, backward, -tract, pull, 語源的にはdraw, tractorと同じ。
英語の語源
retract (v.)
early 15c., "to draw (something) back," from Old French retracter (14c.) and directly from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere "to draw back" (see retraction). Sense of "to revoke, recant, take back" is attested from 1540s, probably a back-formation from retraction. Related: Retracted; retracting.
例文
1. Torn muscles retract ,and lose strength,structure,and tightness.
引き裂かれた筋肉は収縮し、元の力、構造、締固め度を失う。/
2.He 's hoping that if he makes me feel guilty,I 'll retract .
彼はもし彼が私に後ろめたさを感じさせることができれば、私は言ったことを撤回すると期待している。
3.A cat can retract its claws,but a dog can 't.
猫の爪は引っ込めることができますが、犬はできません。
4.You may retract that statement.
その声明を撤回することができます。
5.Mr Smith hurriedly sought to retract the statement,but it had just been broadcast on national radio.