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Definition back up in British English

back up phrasal verb

phrasal verb
1

to give support to someone by telling other people that you agree with them

Example

If I ask for more money will you back me up?

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2

to show that an explanation or belief is probably true

Example

All the evidence backs up her story.

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3

to make a copy of information on your computer

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4

if traffic backs up, or if it is backed up, the vehicles are in a long line and waiting to continue moving

Example

Traffic is backing up on all out-of-town routes.

Example

Cars were backed up for miles.

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4.1

if a toilet, sink, or drain backs up, or if it is backed up, water cannot flow through it because something is blocking it

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4.2

if a system backs up, or if it is backed up, it has slowed down or stopped working because there is too much of something for it to deal with

Example

Orders are really backed up this month.

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5

to move backwards a short distance

Example

I need everyone to back up about 10 paces.

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6

to make a car go backwards

Example

See if you can back up a bit further.

Example

I'll back the car up the driveway.

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7

used for telling someone to return to something that was said earlier

Example

Back up: didn't you say they had already met?

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Definition back up in British English