OpenSynonym

backing off

/ˈbækɪŋ ɔːf/

VERB

1. To move backward or increase distance

To move away from someone or something, usually by retreating or creating more physical distance.

1.1. Physical retreat and avoidance

Describes physically moving backward or away from a person, animal, or object, often because of fear, caution, or discomfort.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The smaller dog started backing off when the larger dog approached.
  • The hikers slowly backed off after spotting a bear near the trail.
  • He noticed the stranger backing off as the argument became more heated.

Related Words

  • distance
  • avoidance
  • withdrawal
  • retreat
  • hesitation
  • caution

VERB

2. To stop applying pressure or interfering

To reduce pressure, interference, demands, or aggressive behavior toward someone or something.

2.1. Reducing pressure or aggression

Describes stopping or reducing aggressive behavior, demands, persuasion, or pressure directed at another person.

Synonyms

  • ease up
  • lay off
  • let up
  • desist
  • refrain
  • stop pressuring
  • give someone space

Antonyms

  • press
  • persist
  • insist
  • intensify
  • escalate

Examples

  • The manager finally started backing off after realizing that the employee was overwhelmed.
  • The salesperson refused to back off despite repeated requests to stop calling.
  • You need to back off and give her some time to make her own decision.

Related Words

2.2. Giving someone personal space

Describes allowing someone more freedom, privacy, or independence by reducing unwanted attention or involvement.

Synonyms

  • leave alone
  • give space
  • keep one's distance
  • withdraw
  • disengage

Antonyms

Examples

  • Her parents agreed to back off and let her make her own decisions.
  • He asked his colleagues to back off while he dealt with the problem.
  • Sometimes the best way to help someone is to back off and give them room.

Related Words

  • privacy
  • personal space
  • independence
  • boundaries
  • autonomy
  • respect

VERB

3. To withdraw from a position, commitment, or intention

To abandon or reduce involvement in a previously stated position, agreement, plan, or intended course of action.

3.1. Withdrawing from a commitment or agreement

Describes withdrawing from an agreement, promise, responsibility, or planned activity that someone previously intended to undertake.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • committing
  • proceeding
  • fulfilling
  • following through
  • honoring

Examples

  • The investor started backing off from the proposed deal after reviewing the financial risks.
  • The company is backing off from its earlier commitment to fund the project.
  • Several sponsors backed off when the event was postponed.

Related Words

3.2. Retracting a statement or changing a position

Describes withdrawing, revising, or abandoning a previously expressed opinion, claim, promise, or position, often in response to criticism or opposition.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The politician began backing off from his controversial statement after facing public criticism.
  • The company is backing off its original position on the proposed changes.
  • The spokesperson backed off the earlier claim after new evidence emerged.

Related Words

  • retraction
  • repudiation
  • reversal
  • concession
  • reconsideration
  • change of mind

3.3. Abandoning a difficult task or challenge

Describes withdrawing from an undertaking or challenge because of fear, uncertainty, difficulty, or unwillingness to continue.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • persevering
  • persisting
  • continuing
  • following through
  • pressing on

Examples

  • He backed off from the challenge when he realized how difficult it would be.
  • The team refused to back off despite the obstacles they encountered.
  • She was tempted to back off but decided to finish what she had started.

Related Words