retrogress

[ re-truh-gres, re-truh-gres ]

verb (used without object)

1. to go backward into an earlier and usually worse condition:

   to retrogress to infantilism.

   Synonyms: revert, retreat, withdraw, retrograde, degenerate, decline

2. to move backward.

retrogress

/ ˌrɛtrəʊˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. to go back to an earlier, esp worse, condition; degenerate or deteriorate
2. to move backwards; recede
3. biology to develop characteristics or features of lower or simpler organisms; degenerate

Derived Forms

• ˌretroˈgressively, adverb
• ˌretroˈgressive, adjective
• ˌretroˈgression, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrogress¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from Latin retrōgressus, past participle of retrōgradī “to go back or backward,” equivalent to retrō- “back, backward, behind” + gred-, combining form of gradī “to step, go” + -tus past participle suffix, with dt becoming ss; retro-

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrogress¹

C19: from Latin retrōgressus having moved backwards, from retrōgradī ; see retrograde

Example Sentences

This was truly consequential, but it was less a matter of making progress than of preventing retrogress.

From The Daily Beast

In extremely exceptional instances the disease, after involving a small part, may retrogress and recovery take place.

From Project Gutenberg

At times the patches retrogress, involution taking place with or without slight sieve-like atrophy or scarring.

From Project Gutenberg

That certain animals degenerate or retrogress in their development is susceptible of ready and familiar illustration.

From Project Gutenberg

But it must be a slow, and occasionally, an interrupted progress, after a sad retrogress of nearly twelve years.

From Project Gutenberg

What had caused the man to retrogress Luis and Luise Obispo?

From Project Gutenberg