back down
/ˈbæk ˈdaʊn/
VERB
1. To withdraw from a position or confrontation
To abandon a previously stated position, demand, or intention, especially when faced with opposition, pressure, or resistance.
1.1. Yielding during a disagreement or conflict
Describes giving up resistance or adopting a less forceful position when confronted by opposition or competing demands.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Despite the heated argument, neither party was willing to back down.
- The determined activist refused to back down in the face of opposition.
- The company finally backed down after customers threatened to boycott its products.
Related Words
- opposition
- confrontation
- resistance
- defiance
- compromise
- concession
- determination
- negotiation
1.2. Abandoning a claim or position
Refers to withdrawing or admitting that a previously defended claim, opinion, or assertion will no longer be maintained.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The politician refused to back down from his controversial statement.
- After reviewing the evidence, the witness backed down from the accusation.
- The newspaper was forced to retract its inaccurate claim.
Related Words
- admission
- statement
- assertion
- declaration
- retraction
- repudiation
- disclaimer
- confession
1.3. Withdrawing from a commitment or agreement
Describes abandoning a promise, arrangement, or previously accepted obligation, often because of hesitation or changing circumstances.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The contractor backed down from the agreement at the last minute.
- The investor backed down after reconsidering the financial risks.
- She promised to help and refused to back down from her commitment.
Related Words
- commitment
- agreement
- obligation
- promise
- contract
- withdrawal
- cancellation
- responsibility
1.4. Losing courage or abandoning an intended action
Refers to retreating from an intended course of action because of fear, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- He backed down when he realized how dangerous the challenge would be.
- She nearly backed down before giving her first public speech.
- The team refused to back down despite the difficult conditions.
Related Words
- hesitation
- fear
- anxiety
- uncertainty
- courage
- nerve
- determination
- risk