Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
back away
phrasal verb
/bæk əˈweɪ/
Definition
To withdraw or move backward, often to avoid something or someone.
Examples
- When the dog barked, she decided to back away slowly.
- He had to back away from the argument to avoid escalating the conflict.
- Realizing he was wrong, John chose to back away from his statement.
Meaning
The phrase ‘back away’ indicates a physical or metaphorical step back from a situation, object, or person, often to show disinterest or to retreat in response to fear or discomfort.
Synonyms
- retreat
- withdraw
- recede
- back off
