- a wall, wire screen, or the like, serving to prevent a ball from going too far beyond the normal playing area.
- 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.
- to act as a backstop.
- to act as a backstop to: The government agreed to backstop companies that invested in oil exploration.
- 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
- to provide with backing or support
