regress

1.

/rɪˈgrɛs/

go back to a previous state

2.

/ˈrigrɛs/

returning to a former state

Other forms: regressed; regressing; regresses

To regress is to return to a former state or condition, and not usually in a good way. It often means "relapse" or "get worse."

First used in the late 14th century as a noun meaning "act of going back," regress originates from the Latin regress, meaning "a return." Many feel that the regress to anti-social behavior among teenagers is caused by violent video games, TV shows, and movies. A 30 year old forced to move back home may regress to old, childlike habits. It can also happen to someone's health, like when the condition of someone in recovery takes a turn for the worse.

Definitions of regress (/rɪˈgrɛs/)

1. verb

   go back to a previous state
   synonyms: retrovert, return, revert, turn back

   types:

   fall back, lapse, recidivate, relapse, retrogress

   go back to bad behavior

   resile

   return to the original position or state after being stretched or compressed

   go back, recover, recuperate

   regain a former condition after a financial loss

   rally, rebound

   return to a former condition

   type of:

   change by reversal, reverse, turn

   change to the contrary
2. verb

   get worse or fall back to a previous condition
   synonyms: retrograde, retrogress

   antonyms:

   progress

   develop in a positive way

   types:

   drop off, fall back, fall behind, lose, recede

   retreat

   type of:

   decline, worsen

   grow worse
3. verb

   go back to bad behavior
   synonyms: fall back, lapse, recidivate, relapse, retrogress

   type of:

   retrovert, return, revert, turn back

   go back to a previous state
4. verb

   go back to a statistical means
   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature