moorings
moorings Lexical Profile
moorings Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The ropes, chains, or anchors by or to which a boat, ship, or buoy is secured, or the permanent place where a vessel is tied up.
"The fierce storm tore several fishing boats from their moorings in the harbor."
The established beliefs, values, or habits that provide a person or society with stability and a sense of security.
"Rapid technological changes left many traditional communities feeling cut loose from their cultural moorings."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to emotional, intellectual, or social stability, the word is almost exclusively used in the plural form 'moorings' (as in 'to lose one's moorings').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the late Middle English verb 'moor', likely borrowed from Middle Low German 'mōren' or Middle Dutch 'māren', meaning to tie up or fasten a ship.