Verb
provide someone with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
back
Anjan Contractor thinks 3D printing can solve the world’s hunger problem, and NASA is backing him with a $125,000 grant to build his food printer. Since it requires that the food be built in layers, why not start with pizza?
Taekwondo has no standard system for collecting or classifying statistics that go beyond the final score. Fans can argue about who has the most effective roundhouse kick, but don't have any numbers to back up their claims.
Noun
person who supports or aids a person, cause, enterprise, etc.
A handful of entrepreneurs have raised millions of dollars by pitching the concept of products they have yet to make. But financial backers have no clear way of getting a refund if young businesses fail to deliver.
Adjective
strong and unfavorable reaction by a large number of people
Facing an onslaught of backlash, Facebook quickly rescinded an option that allowed third party applications to request mobile phone numbers and addresses of its users.
Noun
place or situation in which no development or progress is taking place
Malaysia has a new image. The sleepy tropical backwater stereotyped in the novels of Anthony Burgess and Somerset Maugham's short stories has been superseded by Malaysia the high-tech urbanized regional powerbroker.
Ground freezing is being used to complete ever more daring projects, like keeping harmful contaminants from escaping, or mines from collapsing. But some of it's most exciting uses may have happened right in your backyard.
scaled-back
In the movie "Wreck-It-Ralph," Ralph and the Niceland residents use the same stilted, staccato movements as in the game. Disney animators used to classic animation struggled with the scaled-back approach.
Phrase
something that is potentially hurtful having little or no effect
water off a duck's back
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones described any perceived issues between him and Mick Jagger as "water off a duck's back." The band is clear-eyed and focused on the flurry of activity surrounding their 50th anniversary.