Pronunciation: /bækstɑp/
noun a fence or screen set up behind a catcher to prevent the ball from going too far when it is missed
A1 The backstop caught the baseball before it hit the ground.
A2 She used a backstop while practicing archery to prevent arrows from going too far.
B1 The safety net acted as a backstop in case any equipment failed during the performance.
B2 The government implemented a financial backstop to prevent a complete economic collapse.
C1 The treaty included a backstop clause to ensure compliance by all parties.
C2 The backstop solution proved to be effective in preventing further escalation of the conflict.
verb to act as a backstop for something
A1 I backstop my friend when he plays basketball.
A2 She backstops her team during the hockey game.
B1 The insurance policy will backstop any financial losses.
B2 The government implemented a plan to backstop the failing economy.
C1 The security measures were put in place to backstop against potential cyber attacks.
C2 The emergency fund was established to backstop any unforeseen expenses.
formal The backstop is a mechanism to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
informal The backstop is like a safety net to avoid any issues with the border in Ireland.
slang The backstop is there to make sure things don't go haywire at the border.
figurative The backstop acts as a security blanket for the peace process in Ireland.
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