Main Entry: ¹re·cede

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈsēd\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): re·ced·ed; re·ced·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin recedere to go back, from re- + cedere to go

Date: 15th century

1 a : to move back or away : withdraw <a receding hairline> b : to slant backward
2 : to grow less or smaller : diminish, decrease <a receding deficit>

synonyms recede, retreat, retract, back mean to move backward. recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space <the flood waters gradually receded>. retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached <retreating soldiers>. retract implies drawing back from an extended position <a cat retracting its claws>. back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion <backed off on the throttle>.