backup
|back-up|
🇺🇸
/ˈbækˌʌp/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.ʌp/
support or duplicate
Etymology
'backup' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'up', where 'back' meant 'to support' and 'up' indicated 'completion or readiness'.
'backup' evolved from the phrase 'back up' used in the 19th century to indicate support or reinforcement, eventually becoming a noun and verb in modern English.
Initially, it meant 'to support or reinforce', but over time it evolved to include the concept of data duplication for security purposes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a copy of data stored separately for security purposes.
Make sure to create a backup of your files.
Synonyms
Noun 2
support or reinforcement.
The police called for backup during the operation.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to make a copy of data for security purposes.
I need to back up my computer before the update.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40