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

Even then, there are still backstops in place to deter Trump's more pointed threats. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2024

The three concepts are all similar, with parking, picnic areas, walking and jogging paths, fitness facilities, playgrounds and a large, multipurpose field with a single backstop and infield. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 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