English Reference

Phrasal verb

back off

Definition

phrasal verb. to move away from someone or to stop being aggressive or annoying. You use this when you want someone to give you space or stop bothering you.

phrasal verb. to retreat physically from a person or situation; figuratively, to cease an aggressive, intrusive, or critical course of action. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Examples

“Please back off and let me finish my work.”

“When the dog started growling, the children knew they should back off slowly to stay safe.”

“The administration was forced to back off from its controversial tax proposal after facing significant backlash from both the public and members of its own party.”

Examples

simple

“Please back off and let me finish my work.”

contextual

“When the dog started growling, the children knew they should back off slowly to stay safe.”

complex

“The administration was forced to back off from its controversial tax proposal after facing significant backlash from both the public and members of its own party.”

Usage

often used as an imperative command to tell someone to stop being intrusive.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'withdraw' (more formal) or 'retreat' (often military); 'back off' is the standard choice for interpersonal boundaries and social friction.

Pitfall

He backed off the car.

He backed the car up.

the phrasal verb 'back off' is intransitive; use 'back up' when moving a vehicle or object backward.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

back + off

Synonyms

retreatwithdrawstep backgive space

Antonyms

advancepress onconfrontinterfere

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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