Dictionary

The state behind or past.

(of motion) In the direction towards the back.

Example: They left without a backward glance.

(of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.

Example: The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun.

Reluctant or unable to advance.

Of a culture: undeveloped or unsophisticated.

(of motion) In the direction towards the back; backwards

Example: to throw the arms backward

Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

By way of reflection; reflexively.

From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.