WordLens

back up

1 of 1verb
/ˈbæk ʌp/
Forms:backs up,backing up,backed up,backed up
1

to support someone or something

transitive
  • The loyal fans always back up their favorite sports team.
  • The coach consistently backs up his players, fostering team spirit.
  • I'll back up your proposal during the meeting.
  • The teacher always backs her students up in their creative endeavors.
  • He backed his colleague up in the dispute with the client.
Synonyms:
supporthelpaidaccommodatestayback
2

to move or drive something backward

transitive
  • She backed up the car into the parking space.
  • He backed up the truck to unload the cargo.
  • The driver backed up the vehicle to avoid hitting the curb.
  • I had to back up the file to ensure the data was saved properly.
  • She backed up her decision when new information came to light.
Synonyms:
back offback down
3

to make a copy of computer digital data

B1transitive
  • I'll back up my important documents before the software update.
  • The IT team needs to back the entire database up regularly.
  • Make it a habit to regularly back up your important folders.
  • The software prompts users to back up their information regularly.
  • Remember to back up your important files regularly.
4

to confirm that something is true or valid

transitive
  • She backed up her argument with compelling evidence.
  • Let's back these claims up with concrete examples.
  • The witness backed up the testimony with clear recollections.
  • They backed up the proposal with a detailed project plan.
  • Historical records can back up the accuracy of the ancient manuscript.
Synonyms:
substantiatevalidatecorroboratesupportback
5

to wait in a long line of cars, unable to move because the road is crowded

  • The city center was a mess, with cars backing up for miles because of the parade.
  • Heavy rain led to streets flooding, and traffic started backing up in various areas.
  • During rush hour, the city's streets tend to back up, causing delays for commuters.
  • The accident on the freeway had traffic backing up in all lanes.
  • The festival attracted large crowds, and the roads quickly started to back up.
Synonyms:
congestclogchoke offchokeclog upfoul
Antonyms:
unclog
6

(of a vehicle) to move backward

  • The vehicle cautiously backed up to reposition itself in the tight parking spot.
  • In the narrow alley, the delivery truck had to back up to find an alternative route.
  • The car backed up to park in the driveway.
  • The bus backed up into the alley to turn around.
Synonyms:
backreverse
7

to reverse or undo one's actions or decisions

  • I had to back up and apologize after realizing my mistake.
  • They chose to back up and remove the controversial statement from the press release.
  • He wished he could back up and avoid making that decision.
  • She realized her error and decided to back up and redo the task.
  • He tried to back up and take back what he said during the meeting.
8

to reconsider or rethink one's previous thoughts or decisions

  • After hearing new information, I decided to back up and rethink my choice.
  • He had to back up and reconsider his opinion after the discussion.
  • She backed up after realizing she had missed an important detail.
  • I decided to back up and look at the situation from a different angle.
  • They backed up and reconsidered their strategy after the first attempt failed.