backstop
/ˈbækˌstɑːp/
NOUN
1. Something or someone that provides support or protection
A person, structure, or arrangement that provides additional support, protection, or reinforcement when needed.
1.1. Support and reinforcement
A person or thing that strengthens, supports, or reinforces another person, system, organization, or structure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- A solid defense serves as the team's backstop against their opponents' offensive strategies.
Related Words
- protection
- assistance
- stability
- security
- foundation
- safety net
1.2. Financial or institutional protection
A financial, regulatory, or institutional safeguard that provides security against unexpected losses, failures, or crises.
Synonyms
- safety net
- safeguard
- security
- protection
- reserve
- guarantee
Antonyms
- vulnerability
- exposure
- insecurity
Examples
- The safety net served as a crucial backstop for the economy during turbulent times.
- The insurance policy acted as a financial backstop in case of unexpected losses.
- The government introduced measures to provide a regulatory backstop for the banking sector.
Related Words
- insurance
- financial reserve
- contingency plan
- government guarantee
- risk management
- emergency funding
1.3. Support for a claim or explanation
Something that strengthens or provides additional credibility to a statement, explanation, or cover story.
Synonyms
- support
- corroboration
- substantiation
- reinforcement
Antonyms
- contradiction
- refutation
- disproof
Related Words
- evidence
- confirmation
- testimony
- justification
- credibility
NOUN
2. A barrier behind a playing area
A wall, fence, or other structure positioned behind a playing area to stop balls or other objects from traveling beyond it.
2.1. Sports barrier behind home plate
A protective wall or fence behind the home plate in baseball that prevents missed or wild pitches and foul balls from reaching spectators or passing beyond the playing area.
Synonyms
Related Words
- home plate
- catcher
- baseball field
- foul territory
- protective netting
NOUN
3. A player positioned behind a striking or catching area
A defensive player positioned behind another player or a designated area to catch or stop balls during a game.
3.1. Catching position in baseball
A player who occupies the catching position behind home plate and receives pitches from the pitcher.
Synonyms
- catcher
Related Words
3.2. Defensive position in rounders
The player positioned immediately behind the striking base to stop or catch balls during a game of rounders.
Synonyms
- longstop
Related Words
- rounders
- striking base
- fielder
- defensive player
3.3. Wicket-keeping position in cricket
A player positioned behind the wickets to catch deliveries and prevent the ball from passing behind the stumps.
Synonyms
- wicket-keeper
Related Words
- cricket
- wicket
- stumps
- batsman
- bowler
VERB
4. Providing support or reinforcement
To act as a source of support, protection, or reinforcement for someone or something.
4.1. Supporting or strengthening something
To provide additional assistance, reinforcement, or protection that helps maintain or strengthen a person, organization, system, or plan.
Synonyms
- support
- bolster
- reinforce
- buttress
- strengthen
- sustain
- back
- aid
- assist
Antonyms
Examples
- Diplomatic negotiations sought to establish a firm backstop for international security agreements.