What does it mean to "recant" a belief?

To "recant" a belief means to withdraw it formally. This term is often used in contexts where an individual publicly renounces or takes back a previously held statement or belief, typically due to new evidence, changed perspectives, or pressures. Recantation implies a formal declaration that one no longer supports or believes in what was previously stated. It carries a significant weight, suggesting a conscious and deliberate decision to distance oneself from prior assertions.

This definition clarifies why the correct choice focuses on the act of withdrawal, contrasting with actions like asserting, promoting, or altering a belief, which imply varying degrees of support or endorsement rather than a retraction.