Retract vs. Protract — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Retract involves drawing something back or inwards, focusing on reduction or withdrawal; protract means to extend the duration or length, often associated with delay.
Difference Between Retract and Protract
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Retract generally refers to the action of pulling something back or inward, often used in a physical or metaphorical sense. On the other hand, protract is about extending something forward or making it last longer, typically in terms of time or space.
Retraction can imply a reversal or withdrawal of a statement, decision, or opinion, suggesting a step back from previously held positions. Whereas protraction suggests a stretching out of events or activities, often leading to a delay or elongation of timelines.
In mechanical terms, retract might be used to describe parts that move back into a device, such as landing gears in an aircraft or a pen tip. Conversely, protract may describe the movement that extends parts outwards, like a projector screen or a measuring tape.
In medical terminology, to retract can mean pulling back tissues or organs during surgery to access certain areas, which is crucial for visibility and access. On the other hand, protract can refer to the prolonged duration of a disease or symptom, indicating an extension beyond the expected recovery period.
When used in the context of interpersonal interactions, retracting often involves taking back words or actions, signaling regret or reconsideration. Protracting in such scenarios might involve extending discussions or disputes, potentially exacerbating conflicts or complexities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To draw back or withdraw.
To extend in time or space.
Common Usage
Retract a statement or retract landing gears.
Protract negotiations or protract recovery time.
Context
Often implies a reduction or reversal.
Suggests delay or elongation.
Mechanical Usage
Used for parts moving inward.
Used for parts extending outward.
Medical/Anatomical
Pulling back tissues for visibility in surgery.
Extending the duration of symptoms or diseases.
Compare with Definitions
Retract
To withdraw a statement or accusation.
The journalist had to retract the erroneous article.
Protract
To delay or prolong.
Legal complexities protracted the trial beyond expected timelines.
Retract
To pull something back inside.
The cat can retract its claws when not hunting.
Protract
To continue for an extended period.
The negotiations were protracted due to disagreements.
Retract
To lessen or reduce in scope.
The company retracted its expansion plans due to market conditions.
Protract
To extend in space or length.
The architect's plan protracts the building into the garden space.
Retract
To take back an offer or statement.
He retracted his resignation after discussing it with his manager.
Protract
To make something last longer.
She protracted her visit to make the most of her vacation.
Retract
To draw back or recede.
The sea retracts from the shoreline during low tide.
Protract
To draw out or lengthen in time.
The meeting was protracted for several hours.
Retract
To take back; disavow
Refused to retract the statement.
Protract
To draw out or lengthen in time; prolong
Disputants who needlessly protracted the negotiations.
Retract
To draw back or in
A plane retracting its landing gear.
Protract
(Mathematics) To draw to scale by means of a scale and protractor; plot.
Retract
To utter (a sound) with the tongue drawn back.
Protract
(Anatomy) To extend or protrude (a body part).
Retract
To draw back (the tongue).
Protract
To draw out; to extend, especially in duration.
Retract
To take something back or disavow it.
Protract
To use a protractor.
Retract
To draw back
A leash that retracts into a plastic case.
Protract
(surveying) To draw to a scale; to lay down the lines and angles of, with scale and protractor; to plot.
Retract
(transitive)
Protract
To put off to a distant time; to delay; to defer.
To protract a decision or duty
Retract
To pull (something) back or back inside.
Pull back
An airplane retracts its wheels for flight.
Protract
To extend; to protrude.
A cat can protract and retract its claws.
Retract
(rare) To avert (one's eyes or a gaze).
Protract
To draw out or lengthen in time or (rarely) in space; to continue; to prolong; as, to protract an argument; to protract a war.
Retract
(phonetics) To pronounce (a sound, especially a vowel) farther to the back of the vocal tract.
Protract
To put off to a distant time; to delay; to defer; as, to protract a decision or duty.
Retract
(obsolete) To hold back (something); to restrain.
Protract
To draw to a scale; to lay down the lines and angles of, with scale and protractor; to plot.
Retract
(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.
Muscles retract after amputation.
Protract
To extend; to protrude; as, the cat can protract its claws; - opposed to retract.
Retract
(transitive)
Protract
Tedious continuance or delay.
Retract
To cancel or take back (something, such as an edict or a favour or grant previously bestowed); to rescind, to revoke.
Protract
Lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer;
We prolonged our stay
She extended her visit by another day
The meeting was drawn out until midnight
Retract
To break or fail to keep (a promise, etc.); to renege.
Retract
To take back or withdraw (something that has been said or written); to disavow, to repudiate.
I retract all the accusations I made about the senator and sincerely hope he won’t sue me.
Retract
(games) Originally in chess and now in other games as well: to take back or undo (a move); specifically (card games) to take back or withdraw (a card which has been played).
Retract
(intransitive)
Retract
To decline or fail to do something promised; to break one's word.
Retract
Of something said or written (such as published academic work): to take back or withdraw.
Retract
To change one's mind after declaring an intention to make a certain move.
Retract
An act of retracting or withdrawing (a mistake, a statement, etc.); a retraction.
Retract
A pulling back, especially (military) of an army or military troops; a pull-back, a retreat; also, a signal for this to be done.
Retract
Synonym of retreat
Retract
To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.
Retract
To withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.
I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it.
Retract
To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke.
Retract
To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.
Retract
To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration.
She will, and she will not; she grants, denies,Consents, retracts, advances, and then files.
Retract
The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.
Retract
Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure;
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
She abjured her beliefs
Retract
Pull away from a source of disgust or fear
Retract
Use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
Retract
Pull inward or towards a center;
The pilot drew in the landing gear
The cat retracted his claws
Common Curiosities
Is retracting always associated with physical movement?
No, retracting can also refer to non-physical actions, such as withdrawing statements or reducing commitments.
How can a process be protracted?
A process can be protracted by extending its duration, often due to additional requirements or complications.
What does it mean to retract a statement?
To retract a statement means to formally withdraw it, often due to being incorrect or inappropriate.
Can a disease be protracted?
Yes, diseases can be protracted when their duration extends beyond the usual course, often due to complications or ineffective treatments.
In what scenarios is protraction seen negatively?
Protraction is often seen negatively in scenarios involving delays in resolutions, such as prolonged negotiations or delayed projects.
Can retract imply privacy?
Yes, retract can imply privacy by pulling back or withholding information or engagement.
Why would someone want to protract a discussion?
Someone might want to protract a discussion to thoroughly explore all details, or sometimes to delay reaching a decision.
What is the opposite of retract?
The opposite of retract could be considered to extend or project, depending on the context.
What mechanical devices use retraction?
Cameras, retractable pens, and landing gear systems in aircraft use retraction mechanisms.
What is an example of protraction in daily life?
Protraction in daily life could include extending a lease on an apartment or protracting payment terms.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
