retract

verb

1. 1

   formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

   He retracted his earlier statements about his religion

   She abjured her beliefs

2. 2

   pull inward or towards a center

   The pilot drew in the landing gear

   The cat retracted his claws

3. 3

   use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)

4. 4

   pull away from a source of disgust or fear