Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

back away

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.48 in modern English

Syllables: back- -away
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

3

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To move in a direction opposite to that which one is facing, keeping one's attention on the thing in front being avoided.

Intransitive verb

verb

To cease supporting something; to pretend one has never supported something.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

"Thinks I to myself, “Sol, you're run off your course again. This is a rich man's summer ‘cottage’[…].” So I started to back away again into the bushes. But I hadn't backed more'n a couple of yards when I see something so amazing that I couldn't help scooching down behind the bayberries and looking at it."
"The WSR has remained in touch with GO-OP, despite the group deciding to back away from the project in the short term."

Usage

Intransitive verb

Inflected Forms

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

Synonyms

retreat pull back back out crawfish crawfish out pull in one's horns withdraw

Questions

What does back away mean?: To move in a direction opposite to that which one is facing, keeping one's attention on the thing in front being avoided.

How to pronounce back away

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