recant

Definition

To withdraw or repudiate a statement or opinion formerly expressed, especially formally and publicly.

Etymology

First attested in 1535, from Latin recantare (“to sing back, reecho, sing again, repeat in singing, recant, recall, revoke, charm back or away”), from re- (“back”) + canto (“to chant, to sing”), frequentative of cano.

Example Sentences

• "Convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant."
• "How soon […] ease would recant / Vows made in pain, as violent and void!"
• "But as Mr. Trump denounces what he describes as failures by the Washington establishment on China, Mr. Biden, an avatar of that establishment, is not recanting his past enthusiasm for engagement."

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