noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
going back; turning back; backtracking
Physically or procedurally moving backward along a path or course of action. Often implies retracing steps or undoing progress.
この道は行き止まりだから、後戻りするしかない。
This road is a dead end, so we have no choice but to turn back.
一度決めた方針
Once we've decided on this policy, we can't backtrack.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
regression; relapse; returning to a bad state
Abstract use for a situation, condition, or person reverting to a worse or earlier state. Common in contexts like illness, habits, or social progress.
景気が後戻りしないように、政府は対策を急いだ。
The government hurried to take measures so that the economy wouldn't relapse.
せっかく禁煙したのに、また後戻りしてしまった。
I finally quit smoking, but I ended up relapsing again.