backout
Abandon a promise
A backout is the act of withdrawing from a commitment, agreement, or planned action.
In computing and business contexts, it specifically refers to reversing changes that have been implemented—restoring a system or process to its previous state when something goes wrong.
The team had to do a backout after the software update crashed the servers.
The verb form is typically written as two words: back out.
Act of taking away
- terminationAct of ending something
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
- revocationOfficial cancellation of privilege
- cancellationVoiding of plans
rescission · nullification · discontinuation · default · renege · retraction · pullout · no-show
Break a pledge
- defaultPreset standard option
- breachBreaking of agreement
- welchFail to honor debts
- flakeThin detached fragment
bail · withdraw · retreat · commitment · promise · deal · contract · obligation
Reverse a prior action
- restoreReturn to earlier state
- revertReturn to earlier condition
- checkpointInspection station on route
- abortEnd before completion
recovery · transaction · database · commit · failsafe · snapshot · ctrl-z
Turn to opposite
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- parkingLeaving a vehicle temporarily
- steeringControlling direction of movement
mirror · backup · driveway · rearview · collision · fender-bender · garage · backing
Way to leave
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- egressMeans of departure
- contingencyUncertain possible event
firewall · failsafe · precaution · guardrail · redundancy · safeguard
withdrawal
Act of taking away
- terminationAct of ending something
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
- revocationOfficial cancellation of privilege
cancellation · rescission · nullification · discontinuation · default · renege · retraction · pullout · no-show · breach
renege
Break a pledge
flake · bail · withdraw · retreat · commitment · promise · deal · contract · obligation · excuse
undo
Reverse a prior action
- restoreReturn to earlier state
- revertReturn to earlier condition
- checkpointInspection station on route
abort · recovery · transaction · database · commit · failsafe · snapshot · ctrl-z
reverse
Turn to opposite
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- parkingLeaving a vehicle temporarily
steering · mirror · backup · driveway · rearview · collision · fender-bender · garage · backing · sensor
exit
Way to leave
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- egressMeans of departure
contingency · firewall · failsafe · precaution · guardrail · redundancy · safeguard