backstop
/ˈbækˌstɑp/
noun
- A fence, screen, or wall behind a playing area (such as in baseball or softball) that stops the ball from going too far.
- The team installed a new backstop to protect the spectators from wild pitches.
- During practice, the catcher warmed up by throwing the ball against the backstop.
- The ball hit the backstop and bounced back onto the field.
- A person or thing that provides support or a safety net in case something goes wrong.
- Having a backup plan is a good backstop if your first idea does not work.
- The emergency fund acted as a backstop for the family when they faced unexpected medical bills.
- The government served as a backstop for the failing bank to prevent a financial crisis.
verb
- To act as a support or safety net for someone or something.
- The company agreed to backstop the loan if the borrower could not repay it.
- The insurance policy backstops the business against major losses.
- The senior manager backstopped the team by providing extra resources when the project fell behind.