backtracker
|back-track-er|
/ˈbæk.træk.ər/
(backtrack)
retrace steps
Etymology
'backtracker' originates from English, specifically the compound 'backtrack' plus the agentive suffix '-er', where 'back-' meant 'toward the rear' and 'track' meant 'path' or 'trail'.
'backtrack' was formed in English from the words 'back' + 'track' (literally to go back along a track), and the noun 'backtracker' developed by adding '-er' to denote 'one who backtracks'.
Initially it meant 'one who moves back along a path,' but over time it expanded to include 'one who withdraws a statement or promise' and technical uses such as 'a program or algorithm that uses backtracking.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who reverses direction or retraces their steps (physically goes back along a route).
During the storm the experienced backtracker led the group safely back to the campsite.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
someone who withdraws or reverses a previously stated opinion, promise, or decision (a person who backtracks on a statement or commitment).
After denying the proposal for weeks, he became a backtracker when he quietly endorsed it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a program, algorithm, or solver that uses backtracking (systematically undoes choices to explore alternatives) to find a solution.
The Sudoku solver acted as an efficient backtracker, undoing incorrect moves until the board was solved.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/28 02:21