backstep
noun
back·step
| \ ˈbak-ˌstep
\
\
plural backsteps
Definition of backstep
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a backward step
A rugged, aggressive, hard-punching pugilist who refuses to take a backstep in the ring … — San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California), 21 Oct. 2009
backstep
intransitive verb
back·step
| \ ˈbak-ˌstep
\
\
backstepped;
backstepping;
backsteps
Definition of backstep (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to take a step backward
Gwynn deflected the axe again and backstepped rapidly, trying to get some space in which to catch a breath.— K. J. Bishop, The Etched City, 2003
2
: to modify, retreat from, or reverse a position or stand once taken : backtrack sense 2
Kentucky legislators forced multi-age classes on its elementary schools in 1992 as part of an education overhaul, but backstepped last year by allowing unhappy schools to opt out. — Susan Hill Smith, Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), 16 Sept. 1997
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