backtracks

Verb

backtrack (third-person singular simple present backtracks, present participle backtracking, simple past and past participle backtracked)

1. To retrace one's steps.
   • I dropped my sunglasses and had to backtrack to find them.
2. To repeat or review work already done.
   • If we backtrack through this problem, maybe we can figure out where we went wrong.
3. To taxi down an active runway in the opposite direction to that being used for takeoff.
   • Speedbird One: enter and backtrack Runway 27 Left.
4. To exercise a racehorse around the racetrack in the opposite direction to that in which races are run.
5. To go back on or withdraw a statement.
   • After enormous public outrage, the government backtracked on its proposed ban.

   Synonyms:

   backpedal

See all 6 meanings of backtrack