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

Defeating enemies does make backtracking much more manageable, however, as most monsters stay dead, very rarely respawning over time. —George Yang, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024

Slowly but surely, as the pandemic's unique circumstances fade, companies are backtracking on hybrid and remote work arrangements and rapidly restoring pre-pandemic business norms. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

The cut shot to No. 20, then backtracked one rung, before soaring once more. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Later that year, however, Musk backtracked, citing concerns over the intensive use of fossil fuels, including coal, for Bitcoin mining. —Bygreg McKenna, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024

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