receding

verb (used without object), re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to go or move away; retreat; go to or toward a more distant point; withdraw.
2. to become more distant.
3. (of a color, form, etc., on a flat surface) to move away or be perceived as moving away from an observer, especially as giving the illusion of space.Compare advance(def 15).
4. to slope backward: a chin that recedes.
5. to draw back or withdraw from a conclusion, viewpoint, undertaking, promise, etc.

verb (used with object), re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to cede back; yield or grant to a former possessor.

verb (intr)

1. to withdraw from a point or limit; go backthe tide receded
2. to become more distanthopes of rescue receded
3. to slope backwardsapes have receding foreheads
4. 1. (of a man’s hair) to cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead
   2. (of a man) to start to go bald in this way
5. to decline in value or character
6. (usually foll by from) to draw back or retreat, as from a promise

v.

early 15c., from Middle French receder, from Latin recedere “to go back, fall back; withdraw, depart, retire,” from re- “back” (see re-) + cedere “to go” (see cede). Related: Receded; receding.