backtrack

[ bak-trak ]

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: backtrack / backtracking on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to return over the same course or route.

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

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of backtrack

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; back² + track

Words nearby backtrack

back to back, back-to-basics, back to the drawing board, back to the salt mines, back to the wall, backtrack, back-trail, backup, backup light, back vent, back walkover

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use backtrack in a sentence

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.
Boston Dynamics gave its dog-like robot a charging dock and an arm on its head|Stan Horaczek|February 2, 2021|Popular-Science
Last month, the San Dieguito Union School District in Encinitas backtracked on its plan to fully reopen in January, according to KPBS.
Morning Report: City Attorney Prosecuting Fewer Domestic Violence Cases|Voice of San Diego|January 7, 2021|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.
SEO year in review 2020: COVID forces platforms to adapt their local and e-commerce offerings, and more|George Nguyen|December 31, 2020|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.
How to Tell a Political Stunt From a Real Vaccine|by Caroline Chen, Isaac Arnsdorf and Ryan Gabrielson|September 26, 2020|ProPublica

Contreras backtracked, agreeing that he should have, Roark said.
Those Ticketed for Seditious Language Say Their Only Crime Was Talking Back|Kate Nucci|September 9, 2020|Voice of San Diego
That will be immensely difficult if Mr. Modi continues to backtrack on economic reform.
John Kerry Just Visited. But Should We Just Forget About India?|Tunku Varadarajan|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The amount of time you spend at the gym is not enough time to backtrack in your waist training,” she says.
Waist Training: Can You Cinch Your Waist Thin?|DailyBurn|July 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As a wave of revulsion spread across the internet, he began to backtrack.
British Politician Threatens To Punch Muslim Woman in the Throat|Nico Hines|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Words just spill out of her mouth too quickly and she has to backtrack.
Interview: Kristen Bell, Voiceover Queen, On ‘Frozen,’ ‘Veronica Mars,’ & More|Andrew Romano|December 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He tried to backtrack and get the last words that Crowley should have given him.
Yes, The Debate Moderator Screwed Up. That's Life.|Megan McArdle|October 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Following their backtrack through the forest, therefore, they proceeded towards the place where they had left their horses.
Bruin|Mayne Reid
To-morrow I'll sell the grub and backtrack to the coast to guard it.
The Trail of a Sourdough|May Kellogg Sullivan
Loring realized he had made a mistake and tried to backtrack.
Danger in Deep Space|Carey Rockwell

British Dictionary definitions for backtrack

backtrack

/ (ˈbækˌtræk) /

verb (intr)

to return by the same route by which one has come

to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc

Derived forms of backtrack

backtracking, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

backtrack

Origin of backtrack

Words nearby backtrack

Words related to backtrack

How to use backtrack in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for backtrack

Derived forms of backtrack