pull back

verb

1. to return or be returned to a rearward position by pulling

   the army pulled back

noun

1. the act of pulling back

2. a device for restraining the motion of a mechanism, etc, or for returning it to its original position

Idioms and Phrases

Retreat, as in The troops gradually pulled back. [Mid-1500s]

Related Words

• confine 
• constrain 
• control 
• curb 
• curtail 
• detain 
• deter 
• govern 
• hamper 
• hinder 
• inhibit 
• keep down 
• kill 
• limit 
• prevent 
• repress 
• restrict 
• subdue 
• suppress