backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

backtracked; backtracking; backtracks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to retrace one's course

b

: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence

2

: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.

Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only that, but one student's absence can affect the achievement of their peers, too, with teachers being forced to spend more time backtracking and repeating instruction. —Cory Turner, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025

For Trump's Resettlement Plan By Ewan Palmer News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 President Donald Trump's administration has already reversed or backtracked on a number of actions and policies in the first few weeks of the Republican's second term. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Just one week ago, Osbourne backtracked on his suicide ruling. —Mollie Markowitz, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025

Diversity rollback:Target becomes latest company to backtrack on DEI initiatives Need a break? —Arriana McLymore and Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

1

: to go back over a course or path

2

: to reverse a position or stand