retracting

Verb

retract (third-person singular simple present retracts, present participle retracting, simple past and past participle retracted)

1. (transitive) To pull (something) back or back inside.
   • An airplane retracts its wheels for flight.

   Synonyms:

   pull back

   1. (specifically, transitive) To draw (an extended body part) back into the body.
      • A cat can retract its claws.
2. (rare, transitive) To avert (one's eyes or a gaze).
3. (transitive) To pronounce (a sound, especially a vowel) farther to the back of the vocal tract.
4. (obsolete, transitive) To hold back (something); to restrain.
5. (intransitive) To draw back; to draw up; to withdraw.
   • The bus was stuck at the stop as its wheelchair ramp wouldn’t retract after use.

See all 18 meanings of retract