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

Other Word Forms

• backtracking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backtrack¹

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

Example Sentences

But Netanyahu also threatened that “Israel will finish the job by itself” if Hamas rejects the plan, or if it accepts it but then backtracks.

From Los Angeles Times

"They didn't follow democratic values and backtracked from their own commitment."

From BBC

In one widely-shared clip, a worker tells a caller the ban has been in place for around a month - before later backtracking and stating content is only banned when it is "abusive".

From BBC

Newsom’s administration has since backtracked on regulations that would have helped to achieve these goals, and instead has written new draft regulations that critics contend are industry-friendly and watered down.

From Los Angeles Times

As cases have grown, he has backtracked on the MMR vaccine, writing in a post on X that it was "the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles".

From BBC

Related Words

• fall back 
• retract 
• reverse