Dictionary.com

climb-down

[ klahym-doun ]
/ ˈklaɪmˌdaʊn /
Save This Word!

noun
a retreat, as from an indefensible opinion or position.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of climb-down

First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase climb down
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use climb-down in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for climb-down

climb down

verb (intr, adverb)
to descend
(often foll by from) to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc)
noun climb-down
a retreat from an opinion, etc
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
FEEDBACK