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

Mandy Hill, president of the Publishers Association, said the backtrack was a victory "over the self-interest of a handful of large corporations".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 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

After first mass wartime protests and a backlash from the EU allies, he was forced to backtrack.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

It’s not as necessary in writing, where a reader can backtrack and look up what she’s missed.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• fall back
• retract
• reverse