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

But as trading relationships began opening back up through the first half of the decade, fledgling pistachio growers in the U.S. took issue with the volume and low price of Iranian pistachio imports.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

After the raid, Lee quickly took to the phone, asking former employees for help to get the carwash staffed back up.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

And even if the war ends soon, it will take some time for the regional infrastructure to get back up to speed, and for damaged facilities to be rebuilt.

From MarketWatch • May 3, 2026

That figure has been creeping back up after a decline in 2024 and the first half of 2025.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

But the paper stares back up at me, blindingly blank like the terrifying unknowns of my new fate.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• fall back
• retreat