pull back

(noun) a device (as a decorative loop of cord or fabric) for holding or drawing something back. Synonyms: pullback, tieback. Example: "The draperies were drawn to the sides by pullbacks."

(noun) (military) the act of pulling back (especially an orderly withdrawal of troops). Synonyms: pullback. Example: "The pullback is expected to be over 25,000 troops."

(verb) pull back or move away or backward. Synonyms: withdraw, retreat, pull away, draw back, recede, pull back, retire, move back. Examples: "The enemy withdrew." "The limo pulled away from the curb."

(verb) use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ). Synonyms: retract, pull back, draw back.

(verb) move to a rearward position; pull towards the back. Synonyms: pull back. Example: "Pull back your arms!."

(verb) stretch back a bowstring (on an archer's bow). Synonyms: pull back, draw. Example: "The archers were drawing their bows."

(verb) make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity. Synonyms: retreat, pull back, back out, back away, crawfish, crawfish out, pull in one's horns, withdraw. Examples: "We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him." "He backed out of his earlier promise." "The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns."