# draw back

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to move away from someone or something, often because you are surprised or afraid.

For teachers: to retreat or move backwards from a position; frequently used to describe a physical reaction to a stimulus or a metaphorical withdrawal from a commitment.

## Examples

- She drew back in surprise when the cat jumped out.
- The investors decided to draw back from the deal once they saw the company's true debt levels.
- As the crowd surged forward against the barriers, the security guards were forced to draw back to avoid being crushed.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He drew back himself from the fire." but "He drew back from the fire." — this phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense and does not require a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.

## Usage notes

- often followed by the preposition 'from' when indicating the source of the withdrawal.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'withdraw' for formal contexts; 'draw back' is more visual and physical, making it common in narrative writing.

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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.