What does it mean to recant?

To recant means to withdraw or disavow a previous statement or belief, often due to a change of heart or realization that it was incorrect.

For example, if someone had previously stated that they believed in a certain political ideology, but then later changed their mind and realized that it was not correct, they might recant their previous statement and say that they no longer hold those beliefs.

In the context of religion, recant can also refer to the act of renouncing or rejecting one's previous religious beliefs or practices, often in favor of a different faith or worldview. For example, someone who had previously been a devout member of a certain religious group might recant their beliefs and convert to a different religion if they no longer believe in the teachings of the original group.