What does it mean to "recant" a statement?

To "recant" a statement means to publicly withdraw or retract a previous belief or opinion. This term is often used in contexts where an individual admits that they no longer stand by their earlier statement, often due to new evidence or a change of heart. The act of recanting typically involves a formal acknowledgment that the previous assertion was incorrect or misguided, thereby emphasizing the contrast between the former position and the current stance.

In this context, the other options do not capture the essence of the term. Reinforcing a belief involves strengthening or affirming a previous stance, which is the opposite of recanting. Justifying a previous opinion suggests providing reasons to support it, rather than withdrawing it. Validating a past decision implies confirming its correctness, which again stands in contrast to the notion of recantation. Therefore, the choice that accurately reflects the meaning of "recant" is the one that describes the act of publicly withdrawing a previous belief.