anchorage

Vessel's resting spot

Anchorage is a place where ships can anchor, or the act of anchoring itself.

Harbor fees for this privilege are also called anchorage.

The word extends to any secure point of attachment: The bolts provide anchorage for the scaffolding.

Figuratively, anchorage suggests stability or grounding: She found anchorage in her faith. (Capitalized Anchorage is Alaska's largest city.)

mooring

chain

Linked segments forming length

rodeSat and steered
hawserThick nautical tethering rope
cleatShoe spike for grip

bollard · buoy · shackle · swivel · windlass · capstan · fender · scope · holding ground · seabed

harbor

port

Docking place for ships

marinaRecreational vessel harbor
dockMooring structure at water's edge
wharfShip docking structure

pier · jetty · quay · berth · waterfront · seaport · shipyard · dockyard · harborage · moorage

structural

support

To uphold or sustain

foundationUnderlying support structure
bracingRefreshingly keen or stimulating
reinforcementAdding support or encouragement

buttress · stabilization · fixture · fastening · mounting · bracket · bolt · securing · attachment · load-bearing

refuge

haven

Shelter from danger

sanctuaryProtected sacred space
shelterProtected place or structure
retreatSanctuary or withdrawal

safe harbor · asylum · respite · solace · security · protection · peace · tranquility · comfort · stability

settlement

Alaska

America's frozen northwest

cityLarge populated area
municipalityLocal governing district
communityCollective of connected people

town · borough · port city · coastal city · frontier town · gateway · outpost

Categories

nautical termsahoy, afloat, aye aye, aye-aye, becalmed
seafaringship, sailors, ships, sail, sailor
coastal featuresshore, coast, beach, bay, cliff
coastal placesbeach, Big Sur, island, Monterey Bay, resort
harbordock, docks, pier, piers, wharf
harborshaven, Boston Harbor, New York Harbor, berths, docks

Opposites

maritime position/security

anchorageopen sea

Waters beyond coastlines

drift · open water · adrift · high seas · drifting

stability/attachment

anchorageunmooring

Releasing from anchorage

detachment · dislodgement · disconnection · looseness · instability

geographical protection

anchorageopen sea

Waters beyond coastlines

lee shore · shoals · reef

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G