drop back

/drɑp bæk/
/drɒp bæk/
IPA guide

Other forms: dropped back; dropping back; drops back

Definitions of drop back
  1. verb
    to lag or linger behind
    synonyms: drag, drop behind, get behind, hang back, trail
    see moresee less
    type of:
    dawdle, fall back, fall behind, lag
    hang (back) or fall (behind) in movement, progress, development, etc.
  2. verb
    take position in the rear, as in a military formation or in the line of scrimmage in football
    “The defender dropped back behind his teammate”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    move
    move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘drop back'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family