Pullback/ˈpʊlbæk/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Physical Movement Often relates to a literal physical motion away from something, used in various settings. After the demonstration, we saw a pullback of the crowd. Pro Tip 2/3Strategic Withdrawal Used to describe a planned or strategic action, especially in a military context. The general ordered a pullback to a more defensible position. Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Conflict Can imply avoiding a fight, argument, or confrontation. When tempers flared, he chose a pullback rather than escalation.