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backstep

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noun back·step \ ˈbak-ˌstep \

Definition of backstep

plural backsteps
:a backward step
  • A rugged, aggressive, hard-punching pugilist who refuses to take a backstep in the ring …
  • —San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California),  21 Oct. 2009

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First Known Use of backstep

1562

2

backstep

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intransitive verb back·step \ ˈbak-ˌstep \

Definition of backstep

backstepped; backstepping; backsteps
1 :to take a step backward
  • Gwynn deflected the axe again and backstepped rapidly, trying to get some space in which to catch a breath.
  • —K. J. Bishop,  The Etched City,  2003
2 :to modify, retreat from, or reverse a position or stand once taken :backtrack 2
  • Kentucky legislators forced multi-age classes on its elementary schools in 1992 as part of an education overhaul, but backstepped last year by allowing unhappy schools to opt out.
  • —Susan Hill Smith, Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina),  16 Sept. 1997

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First Known Use of backstep

1900

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