Recants

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To formally take back or reject a previously expressed opinion or belief, often publicly
2. To announce that a former statement or belief is no longer held, typically in a clear and official manner
3. To renounce or disavow a previously declared position or assertion, usually through a public declaration

Etymology: "Recants" is the third-person singular form of "recant," so it describes someone taking back a statement or belief. The verb came into English in 1535, borrowed from Latin "recantare," which meant "to sing back" or "to repeat in singing." Its building blocks are "re-," meaning "back," and "canto," "to chant or sing," so the core image is of a singer reversing a tune. The Latin sense of "revoke" or "recall" grew out of that picture of singing something again, and the English verb took on the moral and legal meaning of formally withdrawing an opinion or declaration. The word passed into English through Old French, which accounts for its spelling and shape.

Synonyms: retracts, withdraws, disavows

Antonyms: affirms, confirms, supports