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 hiker backtracks when he realizes he took the wrong trail.
• She backtracks through the forest to find her lost keys.
• The politician backtracks on his earlier statement about taxes.
• When the evidence proved him wrong, he quickly backtracks.
• The company backtracks on its decision to close the factory.
• He backtracks along the riverbank to where he started fishing.
• The senator backtracks after facing criticism from voters.