Definition of "back off" in English

Verb

1. To move backwards away from something.

   • I tried to back off slowly from the tiger in my path.

2. To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

   • You need to back off, or the situation could turn ugly.
   • I was going to sue until my legal advisors told me to back off.

3. To lower the setting of.

   • Could you back off the volume a bit? It’s really loud.

4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see back,‎ off.

   • The machine may go back off if it gets too hot. [= turn off again, turn back off].