backstop
backstop Lexical Profile
backstop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An emergency precaution, last-resort support, or financial guarantee that prevents a system, agreement, or venture from failing if primary measures prove inadequate.
"The central bank acted as a financial backstop to stabilize the credit markets during the downturn."
A screen, fence, or barrier placed behind the home plate in baseball or softball, or at the end of a playing field or shooting range, to stop balls or projectiles from going too far.
"The foul ball sailed over the catcher's head and rattled loudly against the wire backstop."
North American In baseball and softball, the player positioned behind home plate who catches pitches not hit by the batter; a catcher.
"The veteran backstop guided the young pitching staff through a challenging nine-inning game."
• verb
To support, bolster, or provide a last-resort guarantee or security for a plan, organization, or financial offering.
"The treasury agreed to backstop the municipal bond issue so that local infrastructure repairs could proceed."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in mid-19th-century American English from the roots 'back' and 'stop', originally referring to the barrier behind the catcher in baseball before broadening in the 20th century to mean a financial or political safeguard.