WordWeb Online

1. A retraction of a previously held position
   - withdrawal, climb-down

1. Move backwards from a certain position
   "The bully had to back down";
   - back up, back off
    
2. Remove oneself from an obligation
   "He backed down when he heard how much work was involved";
   - chicken out, back off, pull out, bow out

Derived forms: backing down, backed down, backs down, backdowns

Type of: abjuration, draw back, move back, pull away, pull back, recantation, recede, retire, retraction, retreat, withdraw