backstop

1 of 2

noun

back·​stop ˈbak-ˌstäp 

plural backstops

1

: something at the back serving as a stop: such as

a

: a screen or fence for keeping a ball from leaving the field of play

b

: a stop (such as a pawl) that prevents a backward movement (as of a wheel)

2

: a player (such as the catcher) positioned behind the batter

3

: something or someone that provides dependable support or protection against failure or loss

As the cold war heated up, Hoover became the country's backstop against subversion.

—David M. Oshinsky

backstop

2 of 2

verb

backstopped; backstopping; backstops

transitive verb

1

: support, bolster

2

: to serve as a backstop to

3

: to play the position of goalkeeper for

backstop a hockey team

Synonyms

Verb

• abet
• aid
• assist
• back
• help
• prop (up)
• support

Examples of backstop in a Sentence

Noun

The pitch got past the catcher and rolled all the way to the backstop.

kept some gold as a backstop in case the value of the local currency collapsed

Verb

the Nobel-winning geneticist was of course backstopped in his research by a team of highly talented assistants

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If federal policy pulls support for these students, a potent Blueprint would serve as a vital backstop, ensuring our most vulnerable learners do not face permanent setbacks. —Abby Beytin, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024

In retrospect, this approach rested on two assumptions — that parties would act as gatekeepers in presenting voters with reasonable candidates, and that voters would act as the ultimate backstop in rejecting anti-democratic candidates. —Michael McDevitt, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

Some analysts advocate for full privatization, meaning the government would not provide assurances to backstop the two mortgage companies. —Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

In the medium to long term, the EU will need to overhaul its defense capabilities and industry if Europe is to meaningfully backstop its own security. —Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

backstop

noun

back·​stop

ˈbak-ˌstäp

1

: a screen or fence to keep a ball from leaving the field of play

2

: a baseball catcher