back off

/bˈak ˈɒf/

/bˈæk ˈɔf/

to back off

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: back]

to move away or retreat from a person or situation

synonyms : back down

remove oneself from an obligation

synonyms : back down

to reduce one's involvement or commitment to something

to stop being aggressive or confrontational towards someone

to decrease the intensity or level of something, such as pressure or demand

Examples

1. We quickly called the dogs off and backed off ourselves.

2. - I piggy backed off your toast.

3. The rival community has backed off.

4. The phone should back off.