backstop
|back-stop|
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.stɑp/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.stɒp/
final safeguard / safety net
Etymology
'backstop' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'back' and 'stop', formed in the context of sport (especially baseball) in the late 19th to early 20th century.
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'the rear', and 'stop' comes from Old English 'stoppian'/'stopp' meaning 'to stop or block'. The combined use in baseball (the screen/area behind home plate) led to figurative uses in later English, especially in finance and policy.
Initially, it meant a physical barrier behind a playing area (especially in baseball); over time it broadened into a metaphorical sense meaning 'a guarantee or last-resort support' used in politics, finance, and general English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a protective screen or barrier placed behind a playing area (especially behind home plate in baseball) to stop stray balls.
The ball hit the backstop and ricocheted back into play.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person, institution, or arrangement that provides financial or other support to prevent failure or loss; a guarantee or safety net.
The government acted as a backstop for the troubled bank.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a last-resort plan or measure kept in reserve to deal with worst-case scenarios.
They kept a backstop of funds in case the project failed.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to act as a backstop for; to provide protection, guarantee, or financial support to prevent failure or loss.
The central bank agreed to backstop the currency if needed.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 19:07