The term 'pull back' can be defined as a movement away from something or a decrease in intensity. This can be seen in the crossword solutions given, such as QUAIL (5 letters), which is a bird that moves away quickly when startled; RETIRE (6 letters), which is to withdraw from a job or activity; RETRACT (7 letters), which is to draw back or take back; SHRINK (6 letters), which is to reduce in size; EBB (3 letters), which is to gradually recede; EASE (4 letters), which is to reduce in intensity; WANE (4 letters), which is to diminish in size or strength; LESSEN (6 letters), which is to make smaller or fewer; pullout (7 letters), which is to withdraw from a situation; REGRESS (7 letters), which is to return to a former state; and RETREAT (7 letters), which is to move back or away. All of these words are related to the concept of pulling back, either physically or figuratively.