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Anchor: meaning, definitions and examples

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anchor

 

[ ˈæŋ.kər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

on a ship

A heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, typically having a metal shank with a ring at one end for the rope and a pair of curved and/or barbed flukes at the other.

Synonyms

ground tackle, kedge, mooring

Examples of usage

  • The ship dropped anchor in the harbor.
  • We need to secure the anchor before the storm hits.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.

Synonyms

mainstay, pillar, support

Examples of usage

  • She was his anchor during difficult times.
  • The principles of democracy serve as an anchor for the nation.

Translations

Translations of the word "anchor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 âncora

🇮🇳 लंगर

🇩🇪 Anker

🇮🇩 jangkar

🇺🇦 якір

🇵🇱 kotwica

🇯🇵 錨 (いかり)

🇫🇷 ancre

🇪🇸 ancla

🇹🇷 çapa

🇰🇷 닻 (dat)

🇸🇦 مرساة (mirsāh)

🇨🇿 kotva

🇸🇰 kotva

🇨🇳 锚 (máo)

🇸🇮 sidro

🇮🇸 akkeri

🇰🇿 зәкір

🇬🇪 ანკარა (ank'ara)

🇦🇿 lövbər

🇲🇽 ancla

Etymology

The word 'anchor' originated from the Old English word 'ancor', which in turn came from the Latin word 'ancora'. Anchors have been used for thousands of years by sailors to secure their ships. The symbol of an anchor is often associated with stability, hope, and security, making it a widely recognized and used metaphor in various contexts.

See also: anchoring.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,589 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.