Main Entry:

¹back·ward

Pronunciation:

\ˈbak-wərd\

Variant(s):

or back·wards \-wərdz\

Function:

adverb

Date:

14th century

1 a: toward the back b: with the back foremost2 a: in a reverse or contrary direction or way b: toward the past c: toward a worse state

— bend over backward or lean over backward

: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)