backflip

[ bak-flip ]

noun

1. a backward somersault.
2. a dive executed by somersaulting backward.
3. Informal. a complete reversal in attitude or policy:

   Some committee members did sudden backflips, urging spending cuts instead of expanded programs.

verb (used without object)

, back·flipped, back·flip·ping.

1. to perform a backflip:

   She backflipped off a bucking horse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backflip¹

First recorded in 1930–35; back ² + flip ¹

Example Sentences

Soaking up the prime-time moment, Johnston stuck a backflip in the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

His backflip is yet another ominous confirmation that we should expect Trump’s next round of judges to not show even a glimmer of independence: They will be selected for their loyalty to the president’s agenda and spend the next four years auditioning accordingly.

From Slate

Dressed in a spangly blue jumpsuit, he built the song from its acoustic opening verse to an impassioned screaming conclusion - punctuating the climax by performing a backflip off a piano.

From BBC

“Maybe a backflip or handstand.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Biles II — which involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a handspring onto the vault and a double backflip in a pike position before landing — has become one of the gymnast’s signature moves, although she has performed it sparingly because of its mental and physical difficulty.

From Los Angeles Times