This is the 14422nd most frequent Russian word.
отступать
To retreat or step back.
Here, 'отступать' is used in the context of a military or strategic retreat, emphasizing the action of withdrawing forces.
Армия была вынуждена отступать ради сохранения своих сил.
The army was forced to retreat to preserve its strength.
In this sentence, 'отступать' is used metaphorically to express yielding or giving up in difficult situations.
Он никогда не должен отступать перед лицом трудностей.
He should never retreat in the face of difficulties.
Here, 'отступать' describes the physical process of something starting to retreat or pull back, signifying a change in state.