regress Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence
    reasoning backward.
  2. noun returning to a former state
    reversion; retroversion; regression; retrogression.
  3. verb go back to a statistical means
  4. verb go back to a previous state
    retrovert; return; turn back; revert.
    • We reverted to the old rules
  5. verb get worse or fall back to a previous condition
    retrogress; retrograde.
  6. verb go back to bad behavior
    retrogress; recidivate; relapse; lapse; fall back.
    • Those who recidivate are often minor criminals

WordNet

Re"gress noun
Etymology
L. regressus, fr. regredi, regressus. See Regrede.
Definitions
  1. The act of passing back; passage back; return; retrogression. "The progress or regress of man". F. Harrison.
  2. The power or liberty of passing back. Shak.
Re*gress" intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Regressed present participle & verbal noun Regressing
Definitions
  1. To go back; to return to a former place or state. Sir T. Browne.

Webster 1913