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

See Examples For:

back up

However, the rate has been heading back up and is expected to go higher.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

The Nasdaq-100 retreated as selling pressure picked back up Monday, with chip stocks selling off sharply.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026

Paul Steward, a meteorologist with the the National Weather Service in San Diego, said temperatures could creep back up to the mid-80s by the end of the week.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

Binance has vowed to get the exchange back up within a couple of days after a record $6.3 billion heist, which has rattled the industry and investors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

Her voice trailed off, the self-pity catching back up with her.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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Related Words

• fall back
• retreat

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