1. to retrace one’s steps or return along the same path
2. to reverse or change one’s position, opinion, or course of action

Examples

• The hikers backtracked when they realized they had taken the wrong trail.
• We backtracked to the last intersection to find the correct route.
• The politician backtracked on his earlier statement about tax increases.
• She backtracked from her original proposal after hearing the criticism.
• The detective backtracked through the evidence to find new clues.
• When the path became too dangerous, they backtracked to safety.
• The company backtracked on its decision to close the factory.