1. to move backward quickly away from someone or something, often due to fear, surprise, or caution
When the dog started barking, the child backed away swiftly.
Quando o cachorro começou a latir, a criança recuou rapidamente.
2. to withdraw hastily from a commitment, agreement, or confrontation
He backed away swiftly from the controversial project.
Ele se afastou rapidamente do projeto controverso.