Pronunciation: [pˈʊld bˈak] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "pulled back" is /pʊld bæk/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "ʊ" as in "put" and is followed by the consonant sound "l". The second syllable begins with the consonant sound "b" and is pronounced with the vowel sound "æ" as in "cat" followed by the consonant sound "k". This phrase typically means to retract or withdraw something, such as pulling your hair back into a ponytail.
The phrase "pulled back" typically refers to an action or movement of drawing or retracting something backwards. It commonly implies the act of physically pulling or tugging an object or oneself in the opposite direction, often away from a particular point. For example, if a person pulls back their hair, they gather it together and secure it away from their face or neck. Additionally, in terms of emotional or psychological states, "pulled back" can denote the act of withdrawing or removing oneself from a situation or interaction, choosing to disengage or distance oneself from others or a particular environment.
Moreover, "pulled back" can also describe a deliberate reduction in intensity or force. It signifies the notion of scaling down or minimizing something, often to create a less overwhelming or more manageable situation. For instance, if a company decides to pull back its advertising campaign, it means they are reducing the amount of advertisements or stopping them entirely. Similarly, in military tactics, pulling back refers to withdrawing troops or forces to a safer or more advantageous position.
In summary, "pulled back" encompasses various meanings depending on the context. It encompasses physical actions of drawing or retracting something in the opposite direction, emotional or psychological withdrawal from a situation or interaction, and scaling down or minimizing something in terms of intensity or force.
The phrase "pulled back" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can look at the etymology of each word individually.
1. Pulled: The word "pulled" is derived from the Old English word "pullian" which means "to pluck, snatch or draw". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pullōną". Over time, it has retained its similar meaning of physically drawing or moving something towards oneself.
2. Back: The word "back" has a long and diverse etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "bæc" and the Proto-Germanic word "bakam". These words have cognates in various Germanic languages.
