back up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to support or assist

2. (intr) cricket (of a nonstriking batsman) to move down the wicket in readiness for a run as a ball is bowled

3. (of water) to accumulate

4. (of traffic) to become jammed behind an accident or other obstruction

5. computing to make a copy of (a data file), esp for storage in another place as a security copy

6. printing to print the second side of (a sheet)

7. to repeat an action immediately

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noun

1. a support or reinforcement

2. 1. a reserve or substitute

   2. ( as modifier )

      backup troops

3. 1. musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer

   2. ( as modifier )

      backup singer

4. the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe

5. computing a file or set of files copied for security purposes

back up Idioms  

1. Move or drive a vehicle backward, as in He told her to back up into the garage . [First half of 1800s]

2. Bring or come to a standstill, as in The water had backed up in the drains , or The accident had backed up traffic for miles . [First half of 1800s]

3. Support or strengthen, as in The photos were backed up with heavy cardboard so they couldn't be bent , or I'll back up that statement of yours . [Second half of 1700s]

4. Duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost. For example, Every computer manual warns you to back up your work frequently in case of a power outage or computer failure . [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Back up to third in the world rankings, he is also currently top of snooker's one-year list for prize money, having won the lucrative Saudi Arabia Masters earlier this term.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Advice from Wirecutter: Back up your digital life.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2023

Back up QB Quincy Guy-Barnes also threw a touchdown pass.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2022

Unfortunately, he starts his column off with “Move over, Lakers. Back up, Dodgers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2022

Back up at the barn I carefully stowed our booty: matches, soap, clean clothes, more blankets, dog food, a single candle I found under a chair, and some books.

From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff

Related Words

• fall back
• retreat