I. ˈbak-wərd adverb
or back·wards -wərdz
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : toward the back
b. : with the back foremost
2.
a. : in a reverse or contrary direction or way
b. : toward the past
c. : toward a worse state
•
- bend over backward
II. adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : directed or turned backward
b. : done or executed backward
2. : diffident , shy
3. : retarded in development
• back·ward·ly adverb
• back·ward·ness noun
III. noun
Date: 1610
: the part behind or past