rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrecantWithdrawing a statement or belief
verb

recant

ri-KANT/rɪˈkænt/

To formally withdraw a previous statement or belief.

The speaker recants his statement, formally withdrawing the sheet before the official.

At a simple formal hearing table, a speaker publicly withdraws his earlier statement, sliding his statement sheet away with one hand while raising the other in a sober, open-palmed gesture.
Etymology
reLatinback
+cantLatinto sing, chant

The underlying image is ‘singing back’ what was sung before. Latin used this combination for recalling or revoking, connecting it to formally withdrawing a statement or belief.

In context

Revolutionary Communist Party52:57
he was forced to recant his opinions of the stars and so on but this marvelous Christian institution the Spanish Inquisition showed him the instruments of torture
A decade of crisis

More examples

  • Under pressure, she refuses to recant her religious beliefs.
  • The mayor recanted his accusation and issued an apology.
  • The scientist publicly recants his claim after reviewing the evidence.

Forms

recant · recants · recanted · recanting

recantation noun — Formal withdrawal of a statement or belief.

Similar words

retract
Often used for withdrawing a specific claim or accusation.
renounce
Emphasizes formally giving up a belief, allegiance, or claim.