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.
There are multiple gates in each of the three sets of locks that elevate ships from sea level on the Atlantic, up eighty-five feet into Gatun Lake, then back down to sea level on the Pacific. Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 Trump then threatened massive tariffs on Colombian goods and Colombia’s president backed down, even offering his personal aircraft to assist in picking up illegals being deported from the U.S. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025 President Trump threatened tariffs, and the president of Colombia quickly backed down, sending a strong message to other countries who think about not accepting these flights with its citizens. Brooke Taylor, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 Petro ultimately backed down and his government said Colombia will accept deportees. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 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 9 Feb. 2025.

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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