backstop

American  

[bak-stop] / ˈbækˌstɒp /

noun

1. a wall, wire screen, or the like, serving to prevent a ball from going too far beyond the normal playing area.

2. Baseball. the catcher.

3. a person or thing that serves as a support, safeguard, or reinforcement.

   There were technicians on board as backstops to the automated controls.

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verb (used without object)

backstopped, backstopping

1. to act as a backstop.

verb (used with object)

backstopped, backstopping

1. to act as a backstop to.

   The government agreed to backstop companies that invested in oil exploration.

backstop British  

/ ˈbækˌstɒp /

noun

1. sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area

2. a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat

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verb

1. to provide with backing or support

Other Word Forms

• backstopper noun

Etymology

Origin of backstop

First recorded in 1810–20; back ¹ + stop

Example Sentences

But if I was going to personalize nature, I thought it would be prudent to backstop my feelings with expertise.

From Los Angeles Times

Zaslav says Paramount’s bid needs to be “fully backstopped” by the Ellison family and RedBird Capital Partners.

From Los Angeles Times

Paramount says billionaire Larry Ellison is agreeing to personally guarantee $40.4 billion of equity financing for the deal and publish records related to the family trust that backstops the deal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Warner’s board told shareholders last week to reject Paramount’s bid, citing concerns that the Ellisons weren’t fully backstopping the financing.

From Barron's

Warner’s board told shareholders to reject Paramount’s bid last week, citing concerns that the Ellisons weren’t fully backstopping the financing.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bar
• barbed wire
• barricade
• block
• dike
• net
• rail
• railing
• roadblock
• wall