anchor
anchor Lexical Profile
anchor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A heavy object, typically made of metal, attached to a rope or chain and dropped to the sea bottom to moor a vessel in place.
"The captain ordered the crew to drop the anchor as the ship approached the shallow harbor."
A broadcaster who presents and coordinates a live television or radio program, especially news broadcasts.
"The evening news anchor reported live from the scene of the historic election debates."
A person or thing that provides stability, security, or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.
"During the economic crisis, her steady income served as an anchor for the entire family."
• verb
To moor a ship or boat to the sea bottom using a heavy securing object.
"We decided to anchor the yacht in a secluded Mediterranean cove for the night."
To secure firmly in position.
"Make sure to anchor the tall bookshelf to the wall so it does not tip over during an earthquake."
To present and coordinate a live television or radio program.
"She was chosen to anchor the network's flagship morning show after several years as a field reporter."
Word Nuance & Usage
The nautical phrase 'to weigh anchor' means to hoist the anchor up and prepare to depart, which is sometimes misunderstood as dropping the anchor due to confusion with the word 'weigh'.
• Rhymes for anchor
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'ancor', borrowed from Latin 'ancora', which in turn stems from the ancient Greek 'ankura', meaning 'anchor' or 'hook'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.