undergird
[ uhn-der-gurd ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈgɜrd /
verb (used with object), un·der·gird·ed or un·der·girt, un·der·gird·ing.
to strengthen; secure, as by passing a rope or chain under and around: to undergird a top-heavy load.
to give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis: ethics undergirded by faith.
Words nearby undergird
underfoot,
underframe,
underfunded,
underfur,
undergarment,
undergird,
underglaze,
undergo,
undergrad,
undergraduate,
underground
Example sentences from the Web for undergird
To the contrary, he views them as essential to restoring the economic strength that must undergird that power.
British Dictionary definitions for undergird
undergird
/ (ˌʌndəˈɡɜːd) /
verb -girds, -girding, -girded or -girt
(tr)
to strengthen or reinforce by passing a rope, cable, or chain around the underside of (an object, load, etc)
Word Origin for undergird
C16: from
under- +
gird
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