backtrack

[ bak-trak ]

verb (used without object)

1. to return over the same course or route.
2. to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.

backtrack

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

verb

1. to return by the same route by which one has come
2. to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈbackˌtracking, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backtrack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; back ² + track

Example Sentences

For instance, if Spot walks out of Wi-Fi range, it will stop and backtrack its steps until it starts receiving commands again so it won’t get lost and walk off a platform in an off-shore rig, for example.

From Popular-Science

Last month, the San Dieguito Union School District in Encinitas backtracked on its plan to fully reopen in January, according to KPBS.

From Voice of San Diego

Google quickly backtracked on that guidance after local SEOs brought it to the company’s attention, and the messaging disappeared shortly after.

From Search Engine Land

If the FDA backtracks on its commitment to consult the independent advisory board, or if the agency’s leaders reject the committee’s advice, it would be a sign that they’re acting under political pressure without scientific support.

From ProPublica

Contreras backtracked, agreeing that he should have, Roark said.

From Voice of San Diego

That will be immensely difficult if Mr. Modi continues to backtrack on economic reform.

From The Daily Beast

“The amount of time you spend at the gym is not enough time to backtrack in your waist training,” she says.

From The Daily Beast

As a wave of revulsion spread across the internet, he began to backtrack.

From The Daily Beast

Words just spill out of her mouth too quickly and she has to backtrack.

From The Daily Beast

He tried to backtrack and get the last words that Crowley should have given him.

From The Daily Beast

Following their backtrack through the forest, therefore, they proceeded towards the place where they had left their horses.

From Project Gutenberg

To-morrow I'll sell the grub and backtrack to the coast to guard it.

From Project Gutenberg

Loring realized he had made a mistake and tried to backtrack.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fall back
• retract
• reverse