fall back

/fɑl bæk/

/fɔl bæk/

Other forms: fell back; falling back; fallen back; falls back

Definitions of fall back

1. verb

   fall backwards and down
   type of:

   lean back, recline

   move the upper body backwards and down
2. verb

   move back and away from
   “The enemy fell back”

   types:

   ebb, ebb away, ebb down, ebb off, ebb out

   flow back or recede

   type of:

   draw back, move back, pull away, pull back, recede, retire, retreat, withdraw

   pull back or move away or backward
3. verb

   retreat
   synonyms: drop off, fall behind, lose, recede

   antonyms:

   gain

   obtain advantages, such as points, etc.

   type of:

   regress, retrograde, retrogress

   get worse or fall back to a previous condition
4. verb

   go back to bad behavior
   synonyms: lapse, recidivate, regress, relapse, retrogress

   type of:

   regress, retrovert, return, revert, turn back

   go back to a previous state
5. verb

   hang (back) or fall (behind) in movement, progress, development, etc.
   synonyms: dawdle, fall behind, lag

   types:

   drag, drop back, drop behind, get behind, hang back, trail

   lag or linger behind

   type of:

   follow

   travel behind, go after, come after
6. verb

   have recourse to
   synonyms: recur, resort

   type of:

   apply, employ, use, utilise, utilize

   put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose