underpin

[ uhn-der-pin ]

/ ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /

to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.

to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).

to furnish a foundation for; corroborate: The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

Origin of underpin

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

He has underpinned his future program by winning from NASA a 20-year lease on the legendary launch pad 39A at Cape Canaveral.

Tycoons in Space: One in Orbit and One Still Grounded |Clive Irving |October 5, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The problem here is that this exchange is underpinned by some fundamental misunderstandings.

Your Kid's Dyslexia Diagnosis Is B.S. |Julian Elliot |April 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The 1990s stock market bubble had just burst along with the collapse of telecom spending that had underpinned it.

Al Qaeda’s Failure on Wall Street |Zachary Karabell |September 12, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
After all, the rigid dogmas that once underpinned the conflict have long since been binned.

Ireland's Big Breakthrough |Niall Stanage |February 6, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

Such instruments can be put in place now but must be underpinned and reinforced by a global agreement on climate change.

Now Is the Best Chance for a Climate Deal |Tony Blair, Nicholas Stern |September 22, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
During the latter part of the time its aisle walls were underpinned.

Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Rochester |G. H. Palmer
The foundation of the south side of the Choir and the south-eastern Transept have been underpinned and thoroughly repaired.

Ely Cathedral |Anonymous
Religious laws made for their own government, which underpinned their social life, were rarely meddled with.

The Jews of Barnow |Karl Emil Franzos

underpin

/ (ˌʌndəˈpɪn) /

to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructure to underpin a wall

to give corroboration, strength, or support to