# back away

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/back-away
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move backwards slowly, usually because you are afraid or want to avoid a situation.

For teachers: to retreat or move backwards from a person or thing, often as a defensive or cautious response to a perceived threat or conflict.

## Examples

- He sees the dog and starts to back away.
- When the argument became heated, she decided to back away and let everyone calm down.
- The witness began to back away from his original statement once the defense attorney presented the new forensic evidence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He backed away the fire." but "He backed away from the fire." — this phrasal verb requires the preposition 'from' when followed by an object.

## Usage notes

- often followed by the preposition 'from' to indicate the source of the threat or conflict.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'withdraw' (more formal) or 'retreat' (often military); 'back away' is physical and visual, making it easy to demonstrate in the classroom.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.