English Dictionary |
BACKPEDAL
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
IPA (US): |
Dictionary entry overview: What does backpedal mean?
• BACKPEDAL (verb)
The verb BACKPEDAL has 3 senses:
1. pedal backwards on a bicycle
3. modify one's opinion, make it less strong
Familiarity information: BACKPEDAL used as a verb is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Conjugation: |
Past simple: backpedaled / backpedalled
Past participle: backpedaled / backpedalled
-ing form: backpedaling / backpedalling
Sense 1
Meaning:
Pedal backwards on a bicycle
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "backpedal" is one way to...):
bicycle; bike; cycle; pedal; wheel (ride a bicycle)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Sense 2
Meaning:
Step backwards, in boxing
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "backpedal" is one way to...):
step (shift or move by taking a step)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Sense 3
Meaning:
Modify one's opinion, make it less strong
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Hypernyms (to "backpedal" is one way to...):
rethink (change one's mind)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
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