Wiktionary
n. 1 (context control theory English) A technique for designing stabilize controls for a special recursive class of nonlinear dynamical systems. 2 (context geology English) A gradual backward movement of organisms or a sedimentary environment caused by changes in environmental factors.
Wikipedia
In control theory, backstepping is a technique developed circa 1990 by Petar V. Kokotovic and others for designing stabilizing controls for a special class of nonlinear dynamical systems. These systems are built from subsystems that radiate out from an irreducible subsystem that can be stabilized using some other method. Because of this recursive structure, the designer can start the design process at the known-stable system and "back out" new controllers that progressively stabilize each outer subsystem. The process terminates when the final external control is reached. Hence, this process is known as backstepping.
Usage examples of "backstepping".
The other phantom nearly succeeded in darting in close enough to grapple, but backstepping frantically, Kevin kept enough space between them to use his blade.
Grabbing its hilt, she yanked it from the earth, backstepping with the same motion and slashing it backward.