backup
gb/bˈækˌʌp/ us/bˈækˌʌp/
A2
English
~ 3200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Extra copy of computer data
A copy of computer files kept in case the originals are lost or broken.
Usage pattern:
make [a] backup
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'backup' with 'restore'; 'backup' is the copy you make, 'restore' is putting it back.
Synonyms
duplicate (General term for an exact copy, not limited to digital data.)
Antonyms
original (The primary version of the data, not a copy.)
Collocations
data backup
|cloud backup
|backup file
|automatic backup
|backup system
Themes
technology
|computing
|work
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You should make a backup of your photos before upgrading your phone.
- The IT department runs a nightly backup of all company servers.
- I accidentally deleted the file, but luckily I had a backup stored on an external drive.
Learner examples
- I keep a backup of my work on a USB stick.
- He made a backup before changing the program.
- We have a backup of the report on the cloud.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Replacement person or equipment
Someone or something ready to help or replace another if needed.
Usage pattern:
call for [backup]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'backup' with 'support' in general; 'backup' often implies readiness to replace or assist in urgent situations.
Synonyms
substitute (Focuses on replacing someone in a role, not always in emergencies.)
Antonyms
primary (The main person or resource used first.)
Collocations
call for backup
|police backup
|emergency backup
|backup generator
Themes
work
|emergency
|sports
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police officer called for backup when the suspect became aggressive.
- We have a backup generator in case of a power outage.
- She's the backup goalie for the team.
Learner examples
- The singer has a backup in case she is sick.
- We need backup to finish this job on time.
- The team has a backup player.
Noun
B1
state
3
Blockage causing delay or buildup
When cars, people, or things cannot move because something is blocking the way.
Synonyms
jam (Informal term for a blockage, especially traffic.)
Antonyms
flow (Smooth and continuous movement without obstruction.)
Collocations
traffic backup
|sewer backup
|backup on the highway
Themes
transportation
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There was a huge traffic backup after the accident.
- A sewer backup flooded the basement.
- The festival caused a backup at the ticket gates.
Learner examples
- There is a traffic backup on this road.
- The pipe broke and caused a water backup.
- We had a backup at the airport check-in.
Verb
A2
action
4
Make a duplicate of computer files
To make another copy of computer files so they are safe.
Usage pattern:
backup [files/data]
Synonyms
copy (General term for making another version of something; less specific about safety.)
Antonyms
delete (To remove data entirely without keeping a copy.)
Collocations
backup files
|backup data
|automatically backup
Themes
technology
|computing
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Don't forget to backup your work before shutting down.
- The software will automatically backup your photos every night.
- I need to backup my contacts before switching phones.
Learner examples
- Please backup your work now.
- I will backup my photos today.
- She backed up her phone data.
Grammar
Dictionary form
backup
IPA
GB/bˈækˌʌp/
US/bˈækˌʌp/
Syllables & stress
backup (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (backup)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: backup
- Plural: backup, backups
Word family
Expressions
backup plan
1/bˈækˌʌp plˈæn/
fixed phrase
Spare plan in case of failure
Another plan you can use if your first plan does not work.
Examples
- We need a backup plan in case it rains on the wedding day.
- Always have a backup plan when traveling abroad.
call for backup
2/kˈɔl fɚ bˈækˌʌp/
fixed phrase
Ask for extra help urgently
To ask other people to come and help quickly, usually in emergencies.
Examples
- The officer had to call for backup when the crowd got violent.
- We may need to call for backup if the project falls behind schedule.
backup generator
3/bˈækˌʌp d͡ʒˈɛnɚˌeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase
Spare power generator for outages
A machine that makes electricity when the main power stops working.
Examples
- The hospital uses a backup generator during blackouts.
- The hospital's backup generator started automatically during the blackout.
- We installed a backup generator for emergencies.
- We installed a backup generator to protect the servers from power cuts.
- The school relies on a backup generator in the rainy season.