1
[ verb ] move backwards from a certain position

Synonyms

back_up back_down

Examples

"The bully had to back down"

Used in print

(W. H. Gass, "The Pedersen Kid," in The...)

When his arm came_up I ducked away but it caught me on the side of the neck , watering my eyes , and I backed_off to cough .

Related terms

withdraw withdrawal

2
[ verb ] remove oneself from an obligation

Examples

"He bowed out when he heard how much work was involved"

Related terms

retire resile pull_out

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