backpedal

Definition of Backpedal in English :

1. backpedal

pedal backwards on a bicycle

2. backpedal

step backwards, in boxing

3. backpedal

modify one's opinion, make it less strong

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Backpedal

verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈbackˌpedaled or ˈbackˌpedalled, ˈbackˌpedaling or ˈbackˌpedalling

1.

to press backward on the pedals of a bicycle, as to brake

2. US

to move backward quickly, as in boxing to avoid blows

3. US

to retract an earlier opinion

intr.v. back·ped·aled, back·ped·al·ing, back·ped·als or back·ped·alled or back·ped·al·ling

1. To move the pedals of a bicycle or similar vehicle backward, especially to apply a brake.

2. To move backward by taking short quick steps, as in boxing or football.

3. To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude: The senator later backpedaled on the issue.