retract in WordNet English dictionary

1. formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
   "He retracted his earlier statements about his religion"; "She abjured her beliefs"
   abjure  recant  forswear  retract  resile 
   
2. use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
   retract  pull back  draw back 
   
3. pull inward or towards a center
   "The pilot drew in the landing gear"; "The cat retracted his claws"
   draw in  retract 
   
4. pull away from a source of disgust or fear
   shrink back  retract