backs off
Gives some space
Backs off means to withdraw or retreat from a position, confrontation, or course of action.
Someone backs off when they stop pressing a point, pursuing someone, or maintaining pressure: The dog growled and the stranger backed off.
It can signal de-escalation: He finally backed off when he saw she wasn't interested.
Also used as a command: Back off!
- retreatsBacks off or sanctuaries
- recedesMoves gradually away
- hesitatePause in uncertainty
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- yieldsGives forth results
withdraw · backtrack · disengages · let up · eases up · stand down · shrink · relent · cools down · flinch · chickens out · abandons · concede · relinquishes · falter · defers · tone down · demurs
backs offescalates
Increases in intensity
doubles down · presses on · pushes forward · confronts · advances
backs offmoves in
Takes up residence
closes in · approaches · advances · crowds · encroaches
backs offcommits
Pledges to do
doubles down · dives in · leans in · perseveres · follows through
back, backs, backed, backing, backer, backers, backings, off, offing