back up

Definition

Verb (transitive and intransitive):
- To move or cause to move backwards: To reverse direction, especially in a vehicle, or to cause someone/something to retreat.
- To provide support or confirmation: To give assistance, evidence, or moral support to a person, claim, or argument.
- To make a duplicate copy for safekeeping: To create a security copy of digital data, such as computer files.
- To become blocked or cause to become blocked: To accumulate and obstruct the flow, typically in a pipe, drain, or similar passage.

Examples of Usage

Verb (Move Backwards):
- Please back up the car so I can open the gate.
- The crowd was asked to back up to make room for the emergency vehicles.
Verb (Provide Support):
- Her detailed research backs up her theory.
- I will always back you up in the meeting.
Verb (Make a Copy):
- It's crucial to back up your photos regularly.
- The system is configured to back up files automatically every night.
Verb (Become Blocked):
- The kitchen sink is backing up again.
- Heavy rain caused the sewer lines to back up.

Advanced Usage

"to back up a claim/statement": To provide evidence or facts that support an assertion.
- The journalist was required to back up her allegations with credible sources.
"to have someone's back (up)": An informal idiom meaning to be prepared to support or defend someone. (Note: This is a related idiom using "back," not the phrasal verb "back up").
- Don't worry, I've got your back if there's any trouble.

Variants and Related Words

Backup (noun): A person or thing that provides support, or a reserve copy of data.
- He is the backup quarterback.
- Keep a backup of the document on an external drive.
Backup (adjective): Functioning as an alternative or reserve.
- We need a backup plan.

Synonyms

Related Phrasal Verbs

Back down: To withdraw from a position or claim in an argument. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb).
- After seeing the evidence, he was forced to back down.
Back off: To move away or to stop being involved, often to reduce pressure or aggression.
- The dog growled, so I told the children to back off.

Related Idioms

Back up to the hilt: To support someone or something completely and without reservation.
- The entire team backed up their manager to the hilt during the crisis.

Verb

become or cause to become obstructed
- The leaves clog our drains in the Fall
- The water pipe is backed up
make a copy of (a computer file) especially for storage in another place as a security copy
- You'd better back up these files!
establish as valid or genuine
- Can you back up your claims?
move backwards from a certain position
- The bully had to back down
give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to
- She supported him during the illness
- Her children always backed her up

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