backing

American  

[bak-ing] / ˈbæk ɪŋ /

noun

1. aid or support of any kind.

   Synonyms:

   encouragement, patronage, sanction, sponsorship, endorsement, assistance, help

2. supporters or backers collectively.

3. something that forms the back or is placed at or attached to the back of anything to support, strengthen, or protect it.

4. Theater. a curtain or flat placed behind a window, entrance, or other opening in a stage set to conceal the offstage area.

5. material for backing a joist or rafter.

6. a bevel given to the outer and upper edge of a hip rafter.

7. the musical accompaniment for a soloist; backup.

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backing British  

/ ˈbækɪŋ /

noun

1. support given to a person, cause, or enterprise

2. a body of supporters

3. something that forms, protects, supports, or strengthens the back of something

4. theatre a scenic cloth or flat placed behind a window, door, etc, in a set to mask the offstage space

5. musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer

6. the support in gold or precious metals for a country's issue of money in notes

7. meteorol an anticlockwise change in wind direction

8. a passageway running behind a row of terraced houses

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Etymology

Origin of backing

First recorded in 1590–1600; back ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Around me the women were backing away, so there was a space between us.

From Literature

The shipping blockage is backing up through the Middle East’s oil industry, endangering a big chunk of the world’s crude production.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This week it's about backing up the performance against Scotland," said Tandy.

From BBC

Going Public, which described itself as “Shark Tank meets The Apprentice,” introduced audiences to businesses seeking financial backing, allowing those viewers to invest in the businesses under “crowdfunding” provisions of federal law.

From Barron's

Thriving thanks to their strategic geographical position, strong state backing and leading carriers, huge air hubs in the Gulf oil kingdoms have been shaken by the conflict over Iran.

From Barron's

Related Words

• advocacy
• aid
• assistance
• encouragement
• endorsement
• help
• sponsorship
• subsidy