A deliberate slowing down or withdrawal from a course of action, especially in computing when a device gradually reduces attempts to connect.
From back (direction/withdrawal) + off (away), combined to mean 'moving away or stopping.' Popularized in computer science and network terminology.
Exponential backoff is brilliant computer design—when your WiFi fails, your device doesn't keep trying 1000 times per second, it backs off smarter, waiting longer between attempts.
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