Supported — or retreated? (6)
I believe the answer is:
backed
I believe this is a double definition.
'supported' is the first definition.
('back' can be a synonym of 'support')
'retreated?' is the second definition.
'or' is the link.
(Other definitions for backed that I've seen before include "Put money on" , "Gave support" , "Placed a bet on" , "Supported; reversed" , "Supported, endorsed" .)