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
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 main source of that message has been Trump, who has never backed down from his claims that the 2020 elections were stolen from him. Simon Shuster, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024 Petty didn’t back down and MCA changed their plans, enshrining his reputation as an honorable guy who cared more about his fans than his own bottom line. Al Shipley, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024 But Alfred did not back down from the competition and accomplished her goal. Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Negotiations on both fronts have been stalled for months and none of the warring parties have shown any sign of backing down from their demands. Baraa Anwer and Sarah El Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back down 

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 24 Nov. 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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