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

• aid
• assist
• help
• 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

With the runner already at second base, Williams’ first pitch was an overthrown fastball that went to the backstop, allowing Jose Altuve to move to third base immediately. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025

The ball caromed to the backstop and Andy Pages scored as Pedro Pages looked around in bemusement. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025

Verb

This additional power or right could be important to backstop the intent discussed above. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Swanson will gravitate toward Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, MLB’s home run leader, and Blue Jays backstop Alejandro Kirk. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backstop

• atop
• backdrop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop
• laptop

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