backdown

[ bak-doun ]

/ ˈbækˌdaʊn /

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See synonyms for backdown on Thesaurus.com

noun

a withdrawal from a previously held position, especially in the face of superior power or upon further consideration.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of backdown

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; noun use of verb phrase back down

Words nearby backdown

backcross, backdate, back dive, backdoor, backdoor play, backdown, backdraft, backdraught, backdrop, backed, back emf

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use backdown in a sentence

Mr. Greeley's "On to Richmond" backdown was not more sad to me, not half so sad.
The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2)|Ida Husted Harper
Hard words and a wrangle followed, but Smith did not change expression, and there was a backdown.
Whispering Smith|Frank H. Spearman
It looks first-rate to a fellow that hasn't got any backdown in him.
Romance of California Life|John Habberton
The "minute-men" declared Mr. Toombs' letter was a backdown.
Robert Toombs|Pleasant A. Stovall

British Dictionary definitions for backdown

back down

verb

(intr, adverb) to withdraw an earlier claim

(tr) rowing to cause (a boat) to move backwards by pushing rather than pulling on the oars

noun backdown

abandonment of an earlier claim

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with backdown

back down

Reverse one's upward course, descend. For example, When she saw the wasps' nest on the roof, she hastily backed down the ladder. This literal usage usually refers to something one has climbed, such as a ladder or mountain. [Mid-1800s]

Also, back off. Retreat or yield. For example, As the watchdog began to snarl the letter carrier backed off, or You have a good point; now don't back down when you present it to the board. [First half of 1900s] Also see back away, def. 2.