verb (used with object), re·traced, re·trac·ing.
- to trace backward; go back over: to retrace one’s steps.
- to go back over with the memory.
- to go over again with the sight or attention.
- re-trace.
verb (tr)
- to go back over (one’s steps, a route, etc) againwe retraced the route we took last summer
- to go over (a past event) in the mind; recall
- to go over (a story, account, etc) from the beginning
1690s, from French retracer “to trace again,” from Middle French retracier, from re- “again” (see re-) + tracier “to trace” (see trace (v.)). Related: Retraced; retracing.