draw back

draw back

1. To move backwards, away from someone or something. The baby drew back when the cat started meowing at her. As soon as I heard the buzzing bees, I drew back from the flowers.

2. To abandon a plan or course of action. I had hoped to play baseball again this year, but I had to draw back after I broke my foot in the first game of the season.

3. To retreat or withdraw. The troops were so outnumbered that they were forced to draw back.

See also: back, draw

draw back

1. Retreat, as in The heckler drew back into the crowd to avoid being identified. [c. 1300]

2. Withdraw from an undertaking, as in I was too deeply committed to draw back now. [Mid-1800s]

See also: back, draw

draw back

v.

1. To retreat: The soldiers drew back after a night of intense fighting. When the general gave the order, the regiment drew back.

2. To recoil from someone or something: The dog drew back when my friend moved to pet it. He reached out to me, but I drew back.

3. To decide not to follow a planned course of action: The politician drew back from seeking candidacy this year.

See also: back, draw