backwards

Universal Words (also backward especially in AmE) adverb 1 towards a place or position that is behind: I lost my balance and fell backwards. * He took a step backwards. OPPFORWARD 2 in the opposite direction to the usual one: 'Ambulance' is written backwards so you can read it in the mirror. * In the movie they take a journey backwards through time. 3 towards a worse state: I felt that going to live with my parents would be a step backwards. OPPFORWARD 4 (AmE) = back to front at BACKn. IDIOMS backward(s) and forward(s) from one place or position to another and back again many times: She rocked backwards and forwards on her chair. bend / lean over backwards (to do sth) to make a great effort, especially in order to be helpful or fair: I've bent over backwards to help him. moreatKNOWv.