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back off vs retreat

retreat vs back off

back off is not a noun while retreat is a noun.

back off and retreat both are verbs.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
back off No No Yes No
retreat Yes No Yes No
As verbs, retreat is a hypernym of back off; that is, retreat is a word with a broader meaning than back off:
  • back off: move backwards from a certain position
  • retreat: pull back or move away or backward
Other hypernyms of back off include draw back, move back, pull away, pull back, recede, retire, withdraw.
back off (noun) retreat (noun)
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation
the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
an area where you can be alone
(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
back off (verb) retreat (verb)
move backwards from a certain position make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity
remove oneself from an obligation pull back or move away or backward
move back
move away, as for privacy
Difference between back off and retreat

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