backdown
Definition
Noun: A withdrawal from a previously stated position, demand, or assertion; an act of conceding defeat or admitting an error in an argument or confrontation.
Usage
This word describes the act of retreating from a stance, often in a debate, negotiation, or conflict, implying a surrender of one's original claim. It carries a connotation of yielding under pressure.
Examples
- The government's backdown on the new tax policy followed widespread public protests.
- After hours of heated debate, his sudden backdown surprised everyone in the meeting.
- The company's backdown from its threat of a lawsuit allowed for a peaceful settlement.
Advanced Usage
- "to force a backdown": To apply pressure (e.g., through argument, public opinion, or force) that compels an opponent to retract their position.
- The union's strong strike threat forced a management backdown on wage cuts.
- "a humiliating backdown": A retreat that causes a significant loss of face or prestige.
- The senator's backdown on his core campaign promise was seen as a humiliating defeat.
Variants and Related Words
- Back down (phrasal verb): The verbal action from which the noun is derived.
- He was forced to back down from his initial aggressive stance.
Synonyms
- Retraction: A formal withdrawal of a statement.
- Climb-down: (Informal) An act of retreating from a position, often humiliating.
- Concession: Something granted, especially in response to demands.
- Withdrawal: The act of pulling back from a position.
- Recantation: A formal public statement of renunciation, often of a belief.
Antonyms
- Assertion: A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
- Insistence: The fact or quality of insisting on something.
- Perseverance: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
Related Phrases
- To eat one's words: (Idiomatic) To be forced to retract what one has said.
- His failed prediction made him eat his words.
- To beat a retreat: (Idiomatic) To withdraw, especially quickly or to avoid something unpleasant.
- Facing overwhelming criticism, the official beat a hasty retreat from his proposal.
Noun
-
a retraction of a previously held position
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