back·step
ˈbak-ˌstep 
plural backsteps
: a backward step
A rugged, aggressive, hard-punching pugilist who refuses to take a backstep in the ring …—
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California), 21 Oct. 2009
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California), 21 Oct. 2009
back·step
ˈbak-ˌstep
backstepped; backstepping; backsteps
1
: to take a step backward
Gwynn deflected the axe again and backstepped rapidly, trying to get some space in which to catch a breath.—K. J. Bishop, The Etched City, 2003
K. J. Bishop, The Etched City, 20032
: to modify, retreat from, or reverse a position or stand once taken : backtrack sense 2
Kentucky legislators forced multi-age classes on its elementary schools in 1992 as part of an education overhaul, but backstepped last year by allowing unhappy schools to opt out.—Susan Hill Smith, Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), 16 Sept. 1997
Susan Hill Smith, Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), 16 Sept. 1997Dictionary Entries Near backstep
Cite this Entry
“Backstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstep. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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