formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion. She abjured her beliefs.
source: WordNet 3.0
To withdraw or repudiate formally and publicly (opinions formerly expressed); to contradict, as a former declaration; to take back openly; to retract; to recall.
source: Webster 1913
To revoke a declaration or proposition; to unsay what has been said; to retract; as, convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant.
