backflip

[ bak-flip ]

noun
  1. a backward somersault.

  2. a dive executed by somersaulting backward.

  1. Informal. a complete reversal in attitude or policy: Some committee members did sudden backflips, urging spending cuts instead of expanded programs.

verb (used without object),back·flipped, back·flip·ping.
  1. to perform a backflip: She backflipped off a bucking horse.

Origin of backflip

1
First recorded in 1930–35; back2 + flip1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024