| part of speech: |
phrase |
| definition 1: |
to create and store a copy of (a computer file), often in a separate location, in case the original is damaged or lost.
You could lose your data if you don't back up your files. |
| definition 2: |
to support (a claim or theory), or support (a person) in his or her claim.
Do you have any evidence to back up your theory?Your argument is not convincing because you don't present anything to back it up.He lied to his parents, and his friends backed him up.- similar words:
- justify
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| definition 3: |
of traffic, to become so slow that vehicles form long lines behind each other with little space between each vehicle.
The traffic started backing up at the beginning of rush hour. |
| definition 4: |
to cause (traffic) to form slow-moving lines as travel is attempted.
The accident backed up traffic for miles. |
| definition 5: |
to accumulate because of inability to flow or be processed in a timely fashion.
A beaver dam caused the water in the creek to back up and eventually flood the banks.The chef gets frustrated when incoming orders start to back up in the kitchen. |
| definition 6: |
to cause a slowdown in the flow or processing of (something).
Our inability to get some of the necessary parts backed up our orders for the machinery. |
| definition 7: |
to move backward or drive in reverse.
A bunch of people got in line ahead of us and caused everyone to back up.On a one-lane road, one driver often has to back up to let the other driver go through.The driver ahead of me backed up and hit my bumper. |
| definition 8: |
to return to an earlier point in one's story or account, or give explanatory background to what one is saying.
Let me back up a little; there are some things I forgot to mention.Please back up a little. I'm confused. |
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