backing up

Verb

back up (third-person singular simple present backs up, present participle backing up, simple past and past participle backed up)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To move backwards, especially for a vehicle to do so.
   • That beeping sound indicates that the truck is backing up.
2. (idiomatic, transitive) To move a vehicle backwards.
   • Back up the car a little, you're blocking the driveway.

   Synonyms:

   reverse

3. (idiomatic, intransitive) To undo one's actions.
   • I couldn't see how to finish the project, so I backed up and tried it another way.

   Synonyms:

   back out

4. (idiomatic, intransitive) To reconsider one's thoughts.
   • This isn't working. Let's back up and think about it.
5. (idiomatic, transitive) To copy (data) so that it can be restored if the main copy is lost.
   • Back up your documents folder before applying the update.
6. (idiomatic, transitive) To provide support or the promise of support to.
   • You should be careful. This guy is backed up by the local gang.

   Synonyms:

   back, support

See all 12 meanings of back up