C1noun 1K

Backup

UK /["/ˈbækʌp/"]/ US /["/ˈbækʌp/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

extra help or support that you can get if necessary

Listen to definition

In simple words: A copy of data to keep safe.

Examples

• The police had backup from the army.
• We can use him as a backup if one of the other players drops out.
• The hospital has a backup power supply.
• Always make a backup of your work.
• a backup copy

Usage notes

Use in tech contexts when discussing data safety. Formal in business settings, neutral in casual conversations. Avoid in informal spoken language.

Grammar pattern

backup + object

Memory hint

Think of 'back' as in going back to safety, plus 'up' — saving your things up somewhere secure.

Collocations

• data backup
• create a backup
• backup plan
• full backup

Synonyms

• copy
• duplication
• replication
• reserve

Antonyms

• delete
• erase
• lose

Common mistakes

• Using 'backup' as a verb incorrectly; it's often used as a noun.
• Confusing 'backup' with 'backup up' which implies physical support rather than data.
• Not distinguishing between the types of backups (full, incremental).