backtrack

American  

[bak-trak] / ˈbækˌtræk /

verb (used without object)

1. to return over the same course or route.

2. to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.

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backtrack British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• backtracking noun

Etymology

Origin of backtrack

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

Explanation

When you backtrack, you return somewhere you've already been, or retrace steps you've already taken. You might backtrack to find something you lost on your way down the sidewalk. When you walk out the door and realize you must have put your keys down somewhere, you'll probably backtrack through your house, looking for them. You can also backtrack in a figurative way, changing an opinion or a stance on something: "The city promised to build a new library, but now that the budget is so tight I bet they'll backtrack" The original use of the word referred to a technique in fox hunting.

Example Sentences

The new ambassador appeared to later backtrack, saying the US government respected the independence and findings of South Africa's judiciary.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“The President has this tendency to TACO,” he said, referring to Trump’s tendency to announce tough policies only to backtrack on those announcements later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

In September, mere hours after Charlie Kirk was killed, Patel prematurely announced a suspect had been apprehended — only to have to backtrack when authorities had taken the wrong man into custody.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

In other instances, the administration has been forced to backtrack on firings.

From BBC • May 29, 2025

Or he could come out on the same trail he used to go in, and backtrack.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

• fall back
• retract
• reverse