Meaning
- Back off means to move away from someone or something, either physically or in attitude.
- It can also mean to stop interfering, stop pressuring someone, or withdraw from a situation.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Phrasal verb (intransitive).
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Common structures:
- "Back off from + noun" → withdraw or stop involvement.
- "Back off!" → imperative form to tell someone to stop interfering or pressuring.
Common Phrases
- Back off a little – to reduce pressure or intensity.
- Back off from a fight – to avoid conflict.
- Back off the deal – to withdraw from an agreement.
Collocations
- back off slightly
- back off immediately
- back off from criticism
- back off when threatened
- back off the pressure
Examples
- The dog growled, and the stranger quickly backed off.
- You should back off and let her make her own decision.
- When he realized he was wrong, he backed off from his earlier statement.
- The teacher told the students to back off and give him space.
- I think the company needs to back off on its strict policies.
- He wanted to argue, but seeing her anger, he backed off.
- Please back off a little—you’re pushing me too hard.
Synonyms or Related
- retreat
- withdraw
- step back
- ease off
- pull back
Antonym
- press on
- insist
- push forward
- interfere