backtrack

[ bak-trak ]

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR backtrack 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.

Nearby words

Origin of backtrack

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for backtrack

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
Loring realized he had made a mistake and tried to backtrack.
Danger in Deep Space|Carey Rockwell
To-morrow I'll sell the grub and backtrack to the coast to guard it.
The Trail of a Sourdough|May Kellogg Sullivan

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 Formsbacktracking, 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

Word Origin and History for backtrack

backtrack

"retrace one's steps," figuratively, by 1896, from literal sense, with reference to hunted foxes, from back (adv.) + track (v.). Related: Backtracked; backtracking.

backtrack

verb (used without object)

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of backtrack

Examples from the Web for backtrack

British Dictionary definitions for backtrack

backtrack

verb (intr)

Word Origin and History for backtrack

backtrack