noun

1. The state behind or past.

adjective

1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back.

   “They left without a backward glance.”

2. (of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.

   “The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun.”

3. Reluctant or unable to advance.

Synonyms: Third World, developing, antediluvian, antiquated, backwards, parachronistic, retrograde, forepast

adverb

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

   “to throw the arms backward”

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

3. By way of reflection; reflexively.

Synonyms: backwards