back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away

intransitive verb

: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

Examples of back away in a Sentence

backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The clip shows the massive American bully hesitantly backing away from a tiny, energetic puppy. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 The request comes after the Sacramento Zoological Society in April backed away from an agreement to relocate the zoo to Elk Grove. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2025 Ultimately, the committee backed away from its most controversial proposal that called for states to require those who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get a prescription. Will Stone, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025 My vision blurred for a second, my body wanted to panic, and every instinct screamed to back away. Aslak De Silva, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back away

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back away was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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