back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Examples of back down in a Sentence

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
Recent Examples on the Web The Chaos still holds first place in the Western Conference standings. Carolina, playing on back-to-back days beneath the scorching sun, didn’t back down. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2024 As the years have gone by, Stray Kids has never backed down from a challenge. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 18 May 2024 Heading back down the stairs, a port-side walkway leads to a bow area with a circular pool, sunbeds, and sofas. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 May 2024 The View cohost Ana Navarro is attempting to get young Americans to rock the vote in the upcoming presidential election by knocking egos back down to earth. EW.com, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for back down 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back down was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near back down

Cite this Entry

“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20down. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

back down

verb
: to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted

More from Merriam-Webster on back down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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