backstops
/bækˈstɒps/
NOUN
1. Something or someone providing support or reinforcement
A person or thing positioned behind or supporting something to reinforce it, hold it in place, or provide protection.
1.1. Physical support and reinforcement
A structure, object, or person that provides physical support, reinforcement, or protection against movement, pressure, or external forces.
Synonyms
- support
- reinforcement
- buttress
- prop
- brace
Examples
- The sturdy dam serves as one of the primary backstops against flooding.
Related Words
- supporting structure
- stabilizer
- foundation
- framework
- protection
- barrier
1.2. A safeguard against failure or risk
A protective arrangement, guarantee, or reserve that provides security when ordinary measures fail or unexpected problems arise.
Synonyms
- safeguards
- safety nets
- protections
- guarantees
- reserves
- contingencies
Antonyms
- vulnerabilities
- exposures
- risks
Examples
- In negotiations, diplomats aim to establish clear backstops to prevent misunderstandings.
- A well-designed financial plan includes various backstops to mitigate potential risks.
- The legal framework serves as crucial backstops to protect individual rights and freedoms.
Related Words
- default arrangement
- insurance
- emergency provision
- financial security
- risk management
- contingency plan
1.3. Support for a cover story
Something that provides additional credibility, evidence, or support for an explanation or cover story.
Synonyms
- corroboration
- substantiation
- support
- confirmation
Antonyms
- contradictions
- refutations
- disproofs
Related Words
- cover story
- evidence
- alibi
- verification
- justification
NOUN
2. A protective barrier behind home plate
A wall or fence positioned behind home plate in baseball to stop balls from traveling into the spectator area.
2.1. Baseball protective barrier
A wall, fence, or protective screen behind home plate that catches or stops missed pitches and foul balls.
Synonyms
Related Words
- home plate
- baseball field
- catcher
- foul ball
- protective netting
NOUN
3. A defensive player positioned behind another player
A player who occupies a position behind a designated playing area or another player to catch or stop the ball.
3.1. Catcher in baseball
The defensive player positioned behind home plate who receives pitches and prevents balls from passing behind the plate.
Synonyms
- catcher
Related Words
- pitcher
- home plate
- baseball
- catching position
- defensive player
3.2. Defensive player in rounders
The player who stands immediately behind the striking base to catch or stop the ball.
Synonyms
- longstop
Related Words
- rounders
- striking base
- fielder
- fielding position
3.3. Wicket-keeper in cricket
The 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
- bowler
- batsman
VERB
4. Providing support or reinforcement
To act as a protective support or to strengthen and assist someone or something.
4.1. Strengthening and reinforcing
To make something stronger, more stable, or more effective by providing additional support or reinforcement.
Synonyms
- bolsters
- buttresses
- reinforces
- reenforces
- boosts
- strengthens
- sustains
Antonyms
Examples
- The safety measures in the factory act as essential backstops to prevent accidents.
Related Words
- reinforcement
- stability
- protection
- defense
- resilience
- fortification
4.2. Practical assistance and help
To provide practical help, assistance, or resources that enable someone to accomplish a task or overcome a difficulty.
Synonyms
- aids
- assists
- helps
- attends
- abets
- facilitates
- serves
- succors
- bears a hand
Antonyms
Related Words
4.3. Financial rescue and protection
To provide financial assistance, emergency funding, or a guarantee that protects an individual, organization, or system from financial failure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
- financial assistance
- emergency funding
- insurance
- financial guarantee
- economic security
- risk protection
4.4. Encouragement and emotional support
To provide reassurance, advice, guidance, or emotional encouragement that helps someone feel more confident or capable.
Synonyms
- encourages
- emboldens
- heartens
- comforts
- counsels
- advises
- guides
- mentors
- nurtures
Antonyms
- discourages
- disheartens
- disappoints
- baffles
Related Words
- reassurance
- motivation
- confidence
- mentorship
- counseling
- inspiration
4.5. Endorsement and advocacy
To publicly or privately support, promote, approve, or advocate a person, proposal, cause, or initiative.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- opposes
- foils
- thwarts
- frustrates
- blocks
Related Words
- endorsement
- advocacy
- sponsorship
- promotion
- approval
- patronage