backstop

back·stop  (bkstp)

n.

1. Sports A screen or fence used to prevent a ball from being thrown or hit far out of a playing area, as in baseball.

2. Baseball A catcher.

3. Something that supports or bolsters.

tr.v. back·stopped, back·stop·ping, back·stops

1. To serve as a backstop for.

2.

a. To support or bolster: "The firm lacks a topflight strategic-consulting arm to backstop its technology gurus" (Alex Beam).

b. To substitute for (another) in an emergency.

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backstop [ˈbækˌstɒp]

n

1. (Individual Sports & Recreations / Ball Games, other than specified) Sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area

2. (Team Sports / Rowing) a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat

vb -stops, -stopping, -stopped (tr)

US to provide with backing or support

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	backstop - (baseball) the person who plays the position of catcher catcher baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!" softball game, softball - a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer infielder - (baseball) a person who plays a position in the infield
	2.	backstop - (baseball) a fence or screen (as behind home plate) to prevent the ball from traveling out of the playing field baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!" fence, fencing - a barrier that serves to enclose an area
	3.	backstop - a precaution in case of an emergency; "he acted as a backstop in case anything went wrong" precaution, safeguard, guard - a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.; "he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution"; "an insurance policy is a good safeguard"; "we let our guard down"
Verb	1.	backstop - act as a backstop                     baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!" play - participate in games or sport; "We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches"