backtrack

[ bak-trak ]

verb (used without object)

1. to return over the same course or route.
2. to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.

backtrack

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

verb

1. to return by the same route by which one has come
2. to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈbackˌtracking, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backtrack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; back ² + track

Example Sentences

The man signed to close Ten Hag’s infamous donut - the midfield hole that opens up when United’s forwards press and defenders backtrack – has previously enjoyed success under Amorim.

From BBC

"Don't try and backtrack now, just be straight up. Just own it," Mayer told Ryan.

From BBC

Vance had to backtrack, however, because the Trump campaign wants the anti-choice activists to believe — correctly, in this case — that he will sign an abortion ban.

From Salon

If the former congresswoman had opted to back Trump — or just backtrack on her condemnations of him after a “respectable” period of time the way former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and so many others did — she might be the speaker today.

From Los Angeles Times

"We catch the sound as it arrives at each microphone, backtrack to figure out where it came from, and then, in essence, we suppress any sound that couldn't have come from where the person is sitting," says Mr McElveen.

From BBC

Related Words

• fall back
• retract
• reverse