Back up
verb
To move backwards, especially in a vehicle.
She backed up to make room for the bus
Often appears as...
- backed up into
- backed up against
verb
Support or strengthen an argument, opinion, etc.
He's got new evidence to back up his claim
Often appears as...
- back up a claim
- back up an argument
Usage tips
Academic
verb
Make a copy of information to protect it.
Remember to back up your files regularly
Often appears as...
- back up data
- back up files
Usage tips
Technical
verb
Cause to accumulate because of a blockage or other system failure.
An accident backed up traffic for miles
Often appears as...
- back up traffic
- back up a line
verb
Substitute for someone.
She backs up her colleague when he's on vacation
Often appears as...
- back up a colleague
- back up a player
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
Confirm that an earlier statement is true.
The witnesses back up his testimony
Often appears as...
- back up a testimony
- back up an account
Usage tips
Formal
Legal
verb
To move backwards, especially in a vehicle.
She backed up to make room for the bus
Often appears as...
- backed up into
- backed up against
verb
Support or strengthen an argument, opinion, etc.
He's got new evidence to back up his claim
Often appears as...
- back up a claim
- back up an argument
Usage tips
Academic
verb
Make a copy of information to protect it.
Remember to back up your files regularly
Often appears as...
- back up data
- back up files
Usage tips
Technical
verb
Cause to accumulate because of a blockage or other system failure.
An accident backed up traffic for miles
Often appears as...
- back up traffic
- back up a line
verb
Substitute for someone.
She backs up her colleague when he's on vacation
Often appears as...
- back up a colleague
- back up a player
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
Confirm that an earlier statement is true.
The witnesses back up his testimony
Often appears as...
- back up a testimony
- back up an account
Usage tips
Formal
Legal
Definition 1 of 6
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Used when someone or something is moving in the opposite direction to forward.
Can you back up a little so I have space to open the trunk?
Pro Tip 2/2Driving Caution
When driving, use mirrors or cameras to safely back up.
Make sure the driveway is clear before you back up.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Used when someone or something is moving in the opposite direction to forward.
Can you back up a little so I have space to open the trunk?
Pro Tip 2/2Driving Caution
When driving, use mirrors or cameras to safely back up.
Make sure the driveway is clear before you back up.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Used when someone or something is moving in the opposite direction to forward.
Can you back up a little so I have space to open the trunk?
Pro Tip 2/2Driving Caution
When driving, use mirrors or cameras to safely back up.
Make sure the driveway is clear before you back up.
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