To stop pressuring someone, to move away from something, or to reduce an aggressive or intense approach.
To stop pushing or bothering someone, or to move away from something that seems dangerous.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To stop putting pressure on someone; to leave someone alone.
""Back off!" she shouted when he kept interrupting her during the meeting."
Back off, man. I'm a scientist.
— Bill Murray as Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters (1984)
To withdraw from or reduce involvement in something, such as a commitment or an aggressive plan.
"The supermarket chain backed off its expansion plans after facing local opposition."
To physically move backwards away from a person or object.
"He backed off when he realized the stranger was much larger than he'd expected."
To step or move backwards, off from a position.
To stop pushing or bothering someone, or to move away from something that seems dangerous.
Often used as a direct command ('Back off!'). Can be used literally (move away physically) or figuratively (stop applying pressure, reduce involvement). The tone is usually assertive or slightly aggressive. Common in both AmE and BrE.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "back off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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