back up

Definitions

1. 1

   To move backwards, especially for a vehicle to do so.

   • That beeping sound indicates that the truck is backing up.
2. 2

   To move a vehicle backwards.

   • Back up the car a little, you're blocking the driveway.
3. 3

   To undo one's actions.

   • I couldn't see how to finish the project, so I backed up and tried it another way.
4. ›+ 9 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To reconsider one's thoughts.

      • This isn't working. Let's back up and think about it.
   2. 5

      To copy (data) so that it can be restored if the main copy is lost.

      • Back up your documents folder before applying the update.
   3. 6

      To provide support or the promise of support to.

      • You should be careful. This guy is backed up by the local gang.
      • When he said I wasn't there, I told him I was, and my buddy backed me up.
      • "All the same, governor, what he says is right," put in the other, anxious to back up his friend now that the first step had been taken.
   4. 7

      For the non-striker to take a few steps down the pitch, in preparation to taking a run,…

      For the non-striker to take a few steps down the pitch, in preparation to taking a run, just as the bowler bowls the ball.

   5. 8

      For a fielder to position himself behind the wicket (relative to a team-mate who is…

      For a fielder to position himself behind the wicket (relative to a team-mate who is throwing the ball at the wicket) so as to stop the ball, and prevent overthrows.

   6. 9

      To halt the flow or movement of something.

      • When I flushed the toilet, the plumbing backed up and burst.
   7. 10

      To fill up because of a backlog.

      • WAITRESS: Hurry up with those drinks, Lucy. We're backing up. (Grabs the drinks LUCY has poured.) What are you doing? These are regular. They all ordered large.
   8. 11

      To run a printing press in reverse.

   9. 12

      If a property backs up to another property, that means it abuts or shares a border with…

      If a property backs up to another property, that means it abuts or shares a border with another property.

      • We bought this house specifically because it backs up to our son's school.

The neighborhood

• neighborback down
• neighborback into
• neighborback off
• neighborback out