backstop
Americannoun
-
a wall, wire screen, or the like, serving to prevent a ball from going too far beyond the normal playing area.
-
Baseball. the catcher.
-
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)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area
-
a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat
verb
Other Word Forms
- backstopper noun
Etymology
Origin of backstop
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What’s Next: Paramount victory is helped by the willingness of billionaire Larry Ellison to backstop the deal and give his son David, Paramount’s CEO, the prize he wanted.
From Barron's
Carney was flying to India on Thursday to seek closer trade ties, as part of his strategy to backstop Canada's economy should free trade with the US collapse.
From Barron's
Private credit has grown rapidly in recent years — approaching $2 trillion — and it has never been tested through a full recession or financial-market stress without the backstop of the U.S.
From MarketWatch
Carney has made boosting commerce with Europe and Asia cornerstones of his strategy to backstop Canada's economy, should free trade with Washington collapse.
From Barron's
The fund is a backstop for the Hong Kong dollar's currency peg to the greenback.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
