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

In the subsequent years, however, the number of employees continued to climb back up.

From The Wall Street Journal

By midday, the airport was back up and running.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new scientific study cites Arvin-Edison as one of dozens of areas where local efforts have managed to halt declines in water levels and allow aquifers to come back up.

From Los Angeles Times

We had our backs up and the fans were with us and to do that goal... it just killed the momentum of the game.

From BBC

Lila’s career, her body, her entire life was consumed by the world until she was left with nothing, and now she’s holding a mirror back up to it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fall back
• retreat