# drop back

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
2. To move to a lower (or slower) position in a race or competition; to slow down so as to meet up with someone behind oneself
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see drop, back.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/drop-back