back away
Step in reverse
To back away is to move backward, typically to create distance from something threatening or uncomfortable: She backed away from the growling dog.
The phrase often implies retreat without turning around—keeping your eyes on what you're withdrawing from.
Figuratively, to back away is to withdraw from a commitment or position: The company backed away from its earlier promises.
Involuntary retreat from threat
freeze · panic · dread · alarm · fright · terror · trepidation · apprehension
Remove or pull away
- recedeMove back from
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- repositionMove to new location
backpedal · reverse · retire · give ground · tactical withdrawal · strategic retreat · regroup
Actively avoid something
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- evadeEscape by cunning
- shunDeliberately keep away
elude · circumvent · escape · flee · disengage · extricate · deflect · rebuff
Render harmless
- calm downBecome less agitated
- stand downWithdraw from readiness
- cool offReduce in temperature or intensity
- conciliateCalm hostile feelings
pacify · settle · negotiate · compromise · reconcile · soothe · relax · peace
Pause in uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- think twiceDeliberate before acting
- waitDelay until later
- reconsiderThink about something anew
tread carefully · wariness · prudence · circumspection · heedfulness · vigilance · deliberation · skepticism
Space between two points
- gapUnfilled space between
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- bufferProtective intermediate space
- breathing roomSpace for relief
separation · margin · berth · room · interval · personal space · elbow room · leeway
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
tremble · freeze · panic · dread · alarm · fright · terror · trepidation · apprehension · nervousness
withdraw
Remove or pull away
reposition · backpedal · reverse · retire · give ground · tactical withdrawal · strategic retreat · regroup
steer clear
Actively avoid something
shun · elude · circumvent · escape · flee · disengage · extricate · deflect · rebuff · decline
defuse
Render harmless
- calm downBecome less agitated
- stand downWithdraw from readiness
- cool offReduce in temperature or intensity
conciliate · pacify · settle · negotiate · compromise · reconcile · soothe · relax · peace · diplomacy
hesitate
Pause in uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- think twiceDeliberate before acting
- waitDelay until later
reconsider · tread carefully · wariness · prudence · circumspection · heedfulness · vigilance · deliberation · skepticism · reserve
distance
Space between two points
breathing room · separation · margin · berth · room · interval · personal space · elbow room · leeway · range
- retreatwithdrawal, retreating, backing up, backing off, withdraw
- fear reactionsscream, scared, gasp, terrified, flinch
- maneuversmaneuver, feint, sidestep, dodge, evasion
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
- giving upgive up, giving up, quit, quitting, surrender
- surrendersurrender, surrenders, surrendering, I surrender, capitulate
back awayadvance
Move or progress forward
move forward · approach · step forward · come closer · press forward
back awayconfront
Face squarely, address directly
commit · engage · dive in · lean in · stand firm
back awaycommit
Bind to a course
double down · follow through · stick with · dive in · press ahead
back, away, backward, hold back, get back, come back, fallback, look back, backwardness