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

It said leaflets, social media messages and signage would be used to help promote the ban which will also be backed up by the power to issue fixed penalty notices.

From BBC

“If they were under that umbrella,” he said, “we could take them off the field, maybe retrain them a little bit, get them back up to speed.”

From Los Angeles Times

The review recommends a new "triage system" to help call handlers assess whether incidents need to be logged, backed up by specialised training, and a new AI tool to "help officers navigate legislation and guidance".

From BBC

Then he glances back up at me, and I look down at the fish.

From Literature

“Lexie, this has serious implications on your plans for next year. If you don’t get your grades back up, it’s possible that it will affect Sunridge’s decision.”

From Literature

Related Words

• fall back
• retreat