Backslid

/ˌbækˈslɪd/ verb

Definition

Past tense of backslide; returned to a worse condition or previous bad behavior after improvement.

Etymology

Past tense of 'backslide,' formed irregularly (not 'backslidded'). The word 'backslide' comes from 'back' + 'slide,' and originated in religious contexts around the 1520s to describe losing faith.

Kelly Says

The word 'backslid' is fascinating because it's often used in religious contexts—originally describing a believer who lost faith, but now it describes anyone who abandons progress, like returning to smoking after quitting.

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