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 foremost
2 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)