backwards (adv.)

1510s, from backward with adverbial genitive -s. Figurative phrase bend over backwards is recorded from 1901.

Entries linking to backwards

"with the face to the rear, in the direction behind," c. 1300, from abakward, from Old English on bæc (see back (adv.), and compare aback) + -weard adjectival and adverbial suffix (see -ward).

Old English had the adverb bæcling. As an adjective, from 1550s. Meaning "behindhand with regard to progress" is first attested 1690s. To ring bells backward (from lowest to highest), c. 1500, was a signal of alarm for fire or invasion, or to express dismay. Another Middle English word for "backward, wrongly" was arseward (c. 1400); Old English had earsling.

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Definitions of backwards

backwards (adv.)

at or to or toward the back or rear;

Synonyms: back / backward / rearward / rearwards

backwards (adv.)

in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal;

Synonyms: backward

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near backwards

back-to-nature

backtrack

backup

backward

backwardness

backwards

backwash

backwater

backwoods

backyard

bacon