What is the meaning of regress?

noun

• The reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence.
  • synonyms: reasoning backward
• Returning to a former state.
  • synonyms: regression, reversion, retrogression, retroversion

verb

• Go back to a statistical means.
• Go back to a previous state.
  • usage: "We reverted to the old rules"
  • synonyms: revert, return, retrovert, turn back
• Get worse or fall back to a previous condition.
  • synonyms: retrograde, retrogress
• Go back to bad behavior.
  • usage: "Those who recidivate are often minor criminals"
  • synonyms: relapse, lapse, recidivate, retrogress, fall back