anchor

Heavy maritime securer

All meanings of anchor derive from its oldest and most concrete sense: the hook that secures a boat.

Figurative anchors, like a news anchor or the anchor store in a shopping mall, hold everything together under a single space, idea, or identity.

Anchor baby is used disparagingly to characterize a child who is entitled to birthright citizenship after being born to a mother who is not a citizen of that country.

mooring

harbor

Safe anchorage for ships

dockMooring structure at water's edge
berthSleeping space on transport
jettyStructure extending into water

quay · marina · pier · wharf · buoy · chain · rope · hawser · cable · shackle

stability

foundation

Underlying support structure

steadinessState of being constant
supportTo uphold or sustain
firmnessResistance to deformation

solidity · reliability · constancy · permanence · dependability · grounding · centerpiece · mainstay · cornerstone · pillar

fastening

fasten

Fix securely in position

secureProtected from harm
lockMechanism requiring a key
clampDevice for holding tight

clasp · bolt · bind · tie · affix · attach · fix · pin · tether · lash

hope

mainstay

Primary source of support

pillarUpright architectural support
rockSolid earthen material
refugePlace of safety

steadfast · lifeline · security · comfort · reassurance · safe harbor · constant · guiding light · touchstone · shelter

weight

ballast

Ship stability material

heavyOf great mass
ironElement twenty-six
leadDense metal, symbol Pb

drag · deadweight · sinker · seabed · bottom

symbol

emblem

Representational sign or device

iconPictorial screen symbol
insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
tattooPermanent dermal design

maritime · seafaring · logo · badge · motif · heraldry · sailor tattoo

broadcasting

coanchor

Fellow lead broadcaster

newsreaderBroadcast journalism presenter
newscasterTelevision journalism presenter
deskFurniture for writing

teleprompter · broadcast · studio · lead story · headline · breaking news · sign-off

anchor

harbor

foundation

fasten

mainstay

ballast

emblem

coanchor

anchor

Opposites

Phrases

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