backstop

[bak-stop]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to provide with backing or support

Other Word Forms

• backstopper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstop¹

First recorded in 1810–20; back ¹ + stop

Example Sentences

A bill to establish the regulator became law in July and will have backstop powers to force a deal should it not be agreed.

From BBC

He said, with more of these types of attacks happening, the government needed to act as a backstop to a "different insurance system" to help firms which was not currently in place.

From BBC

A source at the Élysée, Macron's office, has said the group are now ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, only waiting for US confirmation that it will act as the ultimate backstop.

From BBC

For some, the tools are also a backstop against inadequate government help.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also looking ahead to what may be more challenging talks with CUSMA, which has proven a critical backstop, as it is up for review next year.

From BBC

Related Words

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