Synonyms

backdown

American

[bak-doun] / ˈbækˌdaʊn /

noun

a withdrawal from a previously held position, especially in the face of superior power or upon further consideration.

Etymology

Origin of backdown

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; noun use of verb phrase back down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even so, China has warned Japan to backdown.

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

In its backdown, the government was also forced to refund over A$700m of payments to victims.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2023

Crikey’s lawyer firm Marque Lawyers welcomed the backdown.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2023

Gay was wincing after stumbling when a defender backed away from him on a backdown, but did not go to the locker room.

From Washington Times • Oct. 17, 2018

She puts the photo backdown on the nightstand.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023