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backslide

2 syllables · also backslid, backslidden

Quick answer

As a verb, backslide means regress. As a noun, it means a backward regression.

Meanings of backslide

6 meanings

To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.
“He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.”
To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
christianityTo revert back into a life of sin after being saved.
Drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
Similar: lapse

A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
danceA dance move in which the feet are alternately slid back and the heels lifted, giving the illusion of walking forwards while actually moving backwards.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

verb: drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards

Scrabble & Words With Friends: valid word18 points before bonuses.9 letters.