back
/bæk/
Reviewed on
Also a verb, an adverb, and an adjective
Meaning
The rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips, or the corresponding upper surface of an animal.
He lifted the heavy shipping crate using his legs to protect his lower back.
The part or area of an object that is furthest from the front.
She wrote down the phone number quickly on the back of the envelope.
Collocations
- lower back
- back pain
Synonyms
- rear
Antonyms
- front
Idioms
behind someone's back
without someone's knowledge or consent
He made crucial decisions behind his business partner's back.
watch someone's back
protect someone from harm or danger
During difficult negotiations, she knew her colleague would watch her back.
turn one's back on
abandon or refuse to help someone
She refused to turn her back on the community that raised her.
Meaning
To give financial, material, or moral support to a person, cause, or project.
Several prominent investors agreed to back the new medical research initiative.
To move or cause a vehicle or person to move backward.
He carefully began to back the car out of the narrow garage.
How it's used
When this means “give support”
- back the project
“back it.”
They decided to back the project after reviewing the preliminary data.
When this means “move backward”
- back the car out
“backed it out.”
She backed the car out onto the street slowly.
Collocations
- back out
- back up
- financial backing
Synonyms
- support
- reverse
Antonyms
Meaning
Toward or into a previous place, condition, or time.
After years abroad, she moved back to her hometown.
Synonyms
- backward
Antonyms
- forward
Meaning
Located at or near the rear of something.
We sat quietly on the back porch listening to the summer evening rain.
Collocations
- back porch
- back seat
- back door