anchor

/ˈæŋkər/
noun
  1. A heavy object attached to a boat by a rope or chain, dropped to the bottom of the water to keep the boat from moving.
    • The captain dropped the anchor when they reached the bay.
    • We pulled up the anchor and set sail at dawn.
    • The boat drifted because the anchor wasn't heavy enough.
  2. A person or thing that provides stability, security, or a strong connection in a difficult situation.
    • Her grandmother was the anchor of the family, keeping everyone together.
    • Routine can be an anchor in times of change.
    • The experienced teacher served as an anchor for the new staff.
  3. A person who presents and coordinates a news program on television or radio.
    • The news anchor read the headlines with a calm voice.
    • She worked as a morning show anchor for ten years.
    • The anchor interviewed the mayor live on air.
verb
  1. To hold a boat in place by dropping an anchor.
    • They anchored the boat near the island for the night.
    • The sailor anchored in the harbor to wait out the storm.
    • We need to anchor the ship before the tide comes in.
  2. To fix something firmly in position so it cannot move or be lost.
    • She anchored the rug with furniture to keep it from slipping.
    • Use strong bolts to anchor the shelf to the wall.
    • The tent was anchored with heavy stakes and ropes.
  3. To serve as the main presenter of a news program.
    • He anchors the evening news on the local station.
    • They asked him to anchor the special election coverage.
    • She has anchored the weekend show for five years.
  4. To be firmly based or rooted in something, such as a belief or feeling.
    • His sense of purpose is anchored in helping others.
    • The story is anchored in historical facts.
    • Her confidence is anchored in years of hard work.
What does "anchor" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean