adj.
Pronunciation: ' bak-w ə rd
Variant: or back · wards \ -w ə rdz \
Function: adverb
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 or lean over backward : to make extreme efforts (as at concession)