backing away
Slowly stepping back
Backing away is retreating or withdrawing, typically while still facing the thing you're moving from.
Physically, it describes stepping backward to create distance: She kept backing away as he approached.
Figuratively, it means abandoning a position or commitment: The company is backing away from its earlier promises.
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- beat a retreatWithdraw from confrontation
- stepFoot movement forward
de-escalate · defuse · withdraw · stumble · renounce · disengage · cringe · cower · waver · opt out · evade · get out of Dodge · beat a hasty retreat · rescind · shying · give ground · relinquish · cornered
- defensive gesturesflinching, cowering, cringing, ducking, recoiling
- escape responsesfleeing, flight, escaping, escape, hiding
- withdrawalwithdrawing, cash withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, early withdrawal, fund withdrawal
- evasionevasion, avoiding, avoids, evade, dodging
- retreatwithdrawal, retreating, withdraw, pullback, retreat
- shock reactionsgasp, wide eyes, jaw drop, shocked face, open mouth
backing awayapproaching
Coming toward something
advancing · closing in · moving forward · charging · lunging
backing awaycommitting
Carrying out an act
doubling down · diving in · engaging · leaning in · embracing
backing awayholding ground
Maintaining position under pressure
confronting · standing one's ground · facing · standing up to · digging in
back, away, backing, background, comeback, setback, backed, backer, backs