backstop

[ bak-stop ]
/ ˈbækˌstɒp /

noun

a wall, wire screen, or the like, serving to prevent a ball from going too far beyond the normal playing area.
Baseball. the catcher.
a person or thing that serves as a support, safeguard, or reinforcement: There were technicians on board as backstops to the automated controls.

verb (used without object), back·stopped, back·stop·ping.

to act as a backstop.

verb (used with object), back·stopped, back·stop·ping.

to act as a backstop to: The government agreed to backstop companies that invested in oil exploration.

Origin of backstop

First recorded in 1810–20; back1 + stop

OTHER WORDS FROM backstop

back·stop·per, noun

British Dictionary definitions for back-stopped

backstop
/ (ˈbækˌstɒp) /

noun

sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area
a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat

verb -stops, -stopping or -stopped (tr)

US to provide with backing or support