back|wa|ter

back|wa|ter
back|wa|ter «BAK WT uhr, -WOT-», noun, verb.
–n.
1. a stretch of water held, pushed, or thrown back.
2. Figurative. a) a backward place: »

The village was a backwater of civilization.

b) a sluggish, stagnant condition or situation: »

His job had drifted into a hopeless backwater.

3. a backward current or swell; backwash.
–v.i.
1. U.S. to retreat; withdraw: »

The candidate backwatered on several promises when he got into office.

2. to reverse or halt a boat by reversing the action of the oars or propeller: »

The captain backwatered as we approached the dock.

3. to back water. See under water. (Cf. ↑water)

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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