1. to put an earlier date on a document than the actual date it was written or signed
2. to make something effective from an earlier date than when it was actually implemented
Usage: often used in business or legal contexts

Examples

• The company decided to backdate the contract to January 1st.
• She backdated the check to cover last month’s rent.
• The new policy will be backdated to the beginning of the fiscal year.
• It’s illegal to backdate insurance claims.
• The salary increase was backdated to his promotion date.
• They backdated the agreement to avoid tax penalties.