pullback

[ pool-bak ]

/ ˈpʊlˌbæk /

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See synonyms for pullback on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of pulling back, especially a retreat or a strategic withdrawal of troops; pullout.

that which pulls something back or impedes its forward movement.

Machinery. a device for pulling a moving part to its original position.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of pullback

First recorded in 1585–95; noun use of verb phrase pull back

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pullback in a sentence

It is conceivable, if highly unlikely, that most Palestinians will try to pull back from the brink.
Intifada 3.0: Growing Unrest and a Plot to Kill an Israeli Minister|Creede Newton|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You go right straight into the inferno, and when you get older, you pull back.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A recent Wall Street Journal poll showed that a record number of Americans want to pull back from the world stage.
Can John Bolton Use Benghazi to Win an Election?|David Freedlander|July 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Kremlin also announced it was starting to pull back an estimated 40,000 troops massed on the border.
Desperate Violence Before Ukraine Vote|Jamie Dettmer|May 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Every time we pull back the curtain on the government voyeurs, they are forced to back down—and quickly.
Stand Your Ground With Your Smartphone|Joe McLean|February 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I found I could pull back the bolts easily enough and unhook the great chains; but the door was locked, and the key was gone!
Dracula|Bram Stoker
How he can scull ahead at such a speed is a mystery, and at once pull back when there is danger.
From the Thames to the Tiber|J. Wardle
The manner of striking the bell was to pull back the log several feet, then let go the rope, holding the log after the rebound.
Japanese Fairy World|William Elliot Griffis
Once he had a sudden inspiration to pull back his control-stick.
'Green Balls'|Paul Bewsher
I almost want to pull back my head to avoid having my nose taken off.
'Green Balls'|Paul Bewsher

British Dictionary definitions for pullback

pull back

verb (adverb)

to return or be returned to a rearward position by pullingthe army pulled back

noun pullback

the act of pulling back

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

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

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