backtrack
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to return over the same course or route.
-
to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.
verb
-
to return by the same route by which one has come
-
to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc
Other Word Forms
- backtracking noun
Etymology
Origin of backtrack
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.
A month later, Kennedy backtracked on these remarks, saying “The causative association between Tylenol given in pregnancy … is not sufficient to say it definitely caused autism, but it is very suggestive.”
From Salon
It is unknown if Musk will backtrack on the decision to purge.
From Seattle Times
After opposition from Democrats, the president backtracked slightly Monday, saying he also was opposed to increasing work requirements on elderly food stamp recipients.
From Washington Times
Since returning to office in December, Netanyahu has fired his defence minister over his opposition to the judicial drive and then backtracked.
From Reuters
Musk’s tenure at Twitter’s helm has been chaotic, and he’s made various promises and proclamations he’s backtracked or never followed up on.
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
