ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ intransitive verb
1. : to take or follow a back track : retrace one's steps
when the trail became impassable, we backtracked to camp
2. : to modify, retreat from, or reverse a position or stand once taken
first thumping the table and laying down the law, then backtracking when the reaction sets in — New Republic
transitive verb
: to follow in the tracks of
backtracked many a Methodist circuit rider while educating himself in the mill towns of the Deep South — R.P.Ramsey