Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

back down

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: 5.65 in modern English

Syllables: back- -down
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

Intransitive verb

verb

To make (someone) take a less aggressive position.

Transitive verb

verb

To withdraw from a commitment or position; back out.

Example Sentences

"I was about to sue them, but I had to back down."
"The boys had planned to fight during recess, but backed down after the principal found out."
"By the time politicians in several cities backed down on Tuesday and announced that they would cut or consider reducing fares, the demonstrations had already morphed into a more sweeping social protest, with marchers waving banners carrying slogans like “The people have awakened.”"
"I have backed down so many men by confronting them. I'm willing to fight back. If you have that rage in your heart and you are willing to kill, that radiates."

Usage

Inflected Forms

backs down (present, singular) backing down (participle, present) backed down (participle, past) backed down (past)

Phrases

give in back into back off back out back up

Frequently Paired Words

give in retract retreat yield backdown back into back off back out

Synonyms

back up back off chicken out pull out bow out

Questions

What does back down mean?: To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

How to pronounce back down

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “back down”.
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