rear back
Rise up suddenly
To rear back is to pull the head and upper body sharply backward, often in surprise, disgust, or preparation for action.
Horses rear back when startled, rising on their hind legs.
People rear back before throwing a punch or when recoiling from something unpleasant: She reared back when she saw the spider.
The phrase suggests an instinctive, physical withdrawal.
- rise upRebel collectively against power
- stand tallMaintain dignity under pressure
- hind legsAnimal's back limbs
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
recoil · arch · startle · fight or flight · steel oneself · on guard · buck · defiance · flinch · stiffen · shy away · tense · horse · wild horse · spook · balk · bridle · pull
rear backpitch forward
Fall headfirst suddenly
lean forward · settle down · hunker down · bow down · duck down
rear backadvance
Move or progress forward
press forward · push forward · move in · close in · approach
rear backhold still
Remain without moving
settle down · stand firm · keep steady · relax · stay put
rear, back, rears, reared, rearing, backs, backed, backing, backer