Dictionary

withtract en · VERB

Etymology

Origin uncertain. In one sense, probably a blend of withdraw + retract; in another sense, possibly a blend of withcall (“to call away, divert”) + distract.

Meanings

1. (ambitransitive, nonstandard, possibly, rare) To withdraw, retract.
   • I withtract instantly, close the ironclad, close ... but I have been penetrated and cannot and look back up again along the same trajectory of sight and am imbedded again in those eyes on me […] 1998, Scott Symons, Christopher Elson, Dear Reader, page 98:
   • HE TOLD YOU??? What happened to the sacred bond of bro-hood?? NOT COOL, MAN!! I withtract my support! 2024, Isla Olsen, Love & Luck:
   • Did he withtract his words? 1861, Francis A. H. Terrell, Anne Boleyn, page 93:
   • Okay. I withtract the statement - you could've got that dumb in twenty years. 1953, Don Douglas, Just Off Broadway, page 30:
2. (nonstandard, possibly, rare, transitive) To distract.
   • […] that the glorious influences of the Spirit were never withtracted by the various beautiful flowers which appeared on every bank and in every brake, she plucked them in large quantities, and filled her basket. 1831, Mary Martha Sherwood, The Lady of the Manor:

Forms