Backup consists of extra equipment, resources, or people that you can get help or support from if necessary.
There is no emergency back-up immediately available.
Alternative treatments can provide a useful back-up to conventional treatment.
2. variable noun
If you have something such as a second piece of equipment or set of plans as backup, you have arranged for them to be available for use in case the first one does not work.
Every part of the system has a backup.
Computer users should make regular back-up copies of their work.
More Synonyms of backup
backup in British English
or back-up (ˈbækʌp)
noun
1.
additional support or resources to help accomplish a task
Classroom assistants give backup to teachers.
Police grew frustrated because they were not getting much backup from the courts.
I've had no backup from my family, none of them even seemed concerned.
We are here to provide backup if you need it.
the technological backup required for the mission
Alternative treatments can provide a useful backup to conventional treatment.
Midwives must have the backup of specialist obstetrician services.
2.
reinforcements provided to complete a task
More officers arrived on the scene to provide backup.
Airports are required to have backup from local fire brigades in case of a seriousincident.
He was told he might not receive police backup on the street.
The two bodyguards were frantically calling for backup.
3.
a reserve or substitute
Every part of the system has a backup.
There is no emergency backup immediately available.
4. computing
a file or set of files copied for security purposes
It didn't matter that I had accidentally wiped the disk because there was a backup.
5.
the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe
6. US
a traffic jam or tailback usually caused by something blocking the road
The accident caused a backup on the freeway.
a traffic backup on the Bay Bridge
modifier
7.
able to provide support
We need a backup team in case of emergencies.
Does the company have a 24-hour backup service?
8.
able to act as a substitute or alternative
What if you can't borrow your mum's car? Do you have a backup plan?
9. computing
being or relating to a file or set of files copied for security purposes
Computer users should make regular backup copies of their work.
I was able to reload the files from a backup disk
a backup storage device
backup in American English
(ˈbækˌʌp) or ˈback-ˌup (ˈbækˌʌp)
adjective
1.
standing by as an alternate or auxiliary
a backup pilot
2.
supporting
a backup effort
noun
3.
the act or result of backing up
; specif.,
a.
an accumulation because of a stoppage
b.
a support or help
4. Bowling
a ball that follows a path opposite to that of a hook
: in full backup ball
Examples of 'backup' in a sentence
backup
The law firm restored its website, but left an encrypted backup file in the public space which was subsequently found and distributed over the internet.
Computing (2010)
Such a helicopter might have been dispatched over the target zone to provide a backup.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But the computer programmer has a backup plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Their commanders can radio into a central operations centre for backup if necessary.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Wind power is a con: the turbines need backup from other power sources.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
So after billions being spent we will still need 100% backup.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Why don't they provide more backup for the teams?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He will attack enemy strongholds, provide backup for ground troops and escort other aircraft.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
If you use a computer, make a backup disk with a copy of your essay on it.
Marius, Richard A Short Guide to Writing About History (1995)
I can approach anyone and they are happy to provide the backup.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There's full backup if needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
While the value of inspiring women leaders is enormous, practical schemes that support them as they move into leadership provide important backup.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Let's hope there's a backup plan!
The Sun (2015)
In other languages
backup
British English: backup /ˈbækʌp/ NOUN
Backup consists of extra equipment or people that you can get help or support from if necessary.
There is no emergency backup immediately available.
American English: backup
Arabic: اِحْتِياطِيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: apoio
Chinese: 支持
Croatian: podrška
Czech: podpora
Danish: støtte
Dutch: back-up
European Spanish: respaldo
Finnish: taustatuki
French: sauvegarde
German: Unterstützung
Greek: εφεδρικό αρχείο
Italian: riserva
Japanese: バックアップ
Korean: 후원자
Norwegian: sikkerhetskopi
Polish: wsparcie
European Portuguese: apoio
Romanian: suport
Russian: запас
Latin American Spanish: respaldo
Swedish: säkerhetskopia
Thai: สนับสนุน
Turkish: yedek
Ukrainian: pезерв
Vietnamese: hậu thuẫn
1 (noun)
Definition
support or reinforcement
There's no emergency backup immediately available if something goes wrong.
Synonyms
support
a proposal to cut agricultural support
backing
She brought her action with the financial backing of the BBC.
help
Thanks very much for your help.
aid
He was forced to turn to his former enemy for aid.
reserves
relief
famine relief
assistance
He's been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
reinforcement
troop reinforcements
auxiliaries
2 (noun)
Definition
a reserve or substitute
She was added to the squad as a backup.
Synonyms
substitute
She is seeking a substitute while her secretary is on leave.
reserve
In this sport, you always have to have reserves.
relief
No relief drivers were available.
stand-in
He was a stand-in for my regular doctor.
replacement
a replacement for the injured player
stand-by
understudy
He was an understudy to Charlie Chaplin on a tour of the USA.
second string
locum
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aid
Definition
money, equipment, or services provided for people in need
He was forced to turn to his former enemy for aid.
Synonyms
help,
backing,
support,
benefit,
favour,
relief,
promotion,
assistance,
encouragement,
helping hand,
succour
in the sense of assistance
Definition
help or support
He's been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
Synonyms
help,
backing,
service,
support,
benefit,
aid,
relief,
boost,
promotion,
cooperation,
encouragement,
collaboration,
reinforcement,
helping hand,
sustenance,
succour,
furtherance,
abetment
in the sense of backing
Definition
support
She brought her action with the financial backing of the BBC.