retract

(verb) formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure. Synonyms: abjure, recant, forswear, resile. Examples: "He retracted his earlier statements about his religion." "She abjured her beliefs."

(verb) pull away from a source of disgust or fear. Synonyms: shrink back.

(verb) use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ). Synonyms: pull back, draw back.

(verb) pull inward or towards a center. Synonyms: draw in. Examples: "The pilot drew in the landing gear." "The cat retracted his claws."