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draw back

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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