backslide
/'bæk'slaid/
Definition
- Verb:
- To revert to a worse condition, especially in terms of behavior, morals, or standards: To fall back into previous, often less desirable, habits or practices after a period of improvement or progress.
Usage
- The verb "backslide" is typically used to describe a person's regression in personal conduct, discipline, or moral principles.
- It is often used in contexts related to addiction recovery, religious faith, personal resolutions, or professional standards.
- It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. You cannot "backslide something"; you simply "backslide."
Examples
- Verb:
- After six months of sobriety, he feared he might backslide and start drinking again.
- Her commitment to the diet was strong, but she backslid during the holidays.
- The company's safety standards have improved, but we must be vigilant to prevent any backsliding.
Advanced Usage
- "to backslide into (something)": To revert to a specific previous state or habit.
- Without constant practice, it's easy to backslide into old, inefficient work habits.
- Gerund/Noun form "backsliding": The act or instance of reverting.
- Any backsliding in our environmental policies would be a disaster.
Variants and Related Words
- Backslider (n): A person who backslides.
- The preacher spoke about forgiveness for backsliders.
- Backsliding (n): The process or an instance of backsliding.
- The report noted a worrying backsliding in democratic norms.
Synonyms
- Relapse: To fall back into a previous state, especially of illness or bad habit.
- Regress: To return to a former or less developed state.
- Revert: To return to a previous state, practice, or belief.
- Lapse: To fall into a previous, often inferior, state or habit.
Antonyms
- Progress: To move forward or toward a better state.
- Advance: To move forward in a purposeful way.
- Improve: To make or become better.
- Persevere: To continue in a course of action despite difficulty.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Fall off the wagon": An idiom specifically meaning to start drinking alcohol again after a period of abstinence; a common example of backsliding.
- He was doing so well, but I heard he fell off the wagon last week.
Verb
-
drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
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