1. to wind or coil something in the reverse direction
Usage: transitive verb
2. (nautical) to trim a sail so that the wind strikes it from the back, slowing or reversing a ship's motion
Usage: nautical; transitive verb

Examples

• She had to backwind the fishing line after it became tangled.
• The sailor decided to backwind the mainsail to slow the vessel's approach to the dock.
• He carefully backwound the rope around the spool.
• To backwind the clock spring, turn the key counterclockwise.
• The captain ordered the crew to backwind the jib during the storm.