backslide Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
    lapse.

WordNet

Back`slide" intransitive verb
Etymology
Back , adv.+ slide.
Wordforms
imperfect Backslid ; past participle Backslidden Backslid; present participle & verbal noun Backsliding
Definitions
  1. To slide back; to fall away; esp. to abandon gradually the faith and practice of a religion that has been professed.

Webster 1913