backslides
|back-slide|
/ˈbæk.slaɪd/
(backslide)
revert to previous state
Etymology
'backslide' originates from Old English elements, specifically 'bæc' meaning 'back' and 'slīdan' meaning 'to slide' (to slip or glide).
'backslide' developed in Middle/early Modern English from compound forms such as 'backslyden'/'backsliden' and eventually became the modern English verb 'backslide'.
Originally the components suggested a literal 'slip back' (physical slipping or moving backward), but over time the word's common sense shifted to 'relapse' or 'revert to former (usually worse) behavior, especially moral or religious failing.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'backslide': to lapse or regress into a former (usually worse) state or bad habit, especially moral or religious wrongdoing.
When under stress, he often backslides into old habits despite his efforts to change.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 09:47