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View synonyms for

backstop

[ bak-stop ]

noun

  1. a wall, wire screen, or the like, serving to prevent a ball from going too far beyond the normal playing area.
  2. Baseball. the catcher.
  3. a person or thing that serves as a support, safeguard, or reinforcement:

    There were technicians on board as backstops to the automated controls.



verb (used without object)

backstopped, backstopping.
  1. to act as a backstop.

verb (used with object)

backstopped, backstopping.
  1. to act as a backstop to:

    The government agreed to backstop companies that invested in oil exploration.

backstop

/ ˈæˌɒ /

noun

  1. sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area
  2. a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to provide with backing or support
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • sٴDZp noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of backstop1

First recorded in 1810–20; back 1 + stop
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But it is still not clear if the US is willing to provide a "backstop" to this force.

From

The insurers backstop its losses and enjoy its profits based on their market share.

From

But with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth, he spiked consecutive two-strike curveballs, the second bouncing all the way to the backstop to plate a run.

From

But city and state legislators have agreed to be a financial backstop.

From

But she said the change created a "four-year backstop", adding: "It doesn't say it cannot be implemented before then."

From

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