anchor
pronunciation
How to pronounce anchor in British English:
UK [ˈæŋkə(r)]
How to pronounce anchor in American English:
US [ˈæŋkər]
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- Noun:
- a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
- a central cohesive source of support and stability
- a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute
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- Verb:
- fix firmly and stably
- secure a vessel with an anchor
Word Origin
- anchor
- anchor: [OE] English borrowed this word from Latin in the 9th century, but its ultimate source is Greek ágkūra (which goes back to an Indo- European base *angg- ‘bent’, also the source of angle and ankle). Originally it was spelled ancor, reflecting Latin ancora; the inauthentic h began to creep in in the 16th century, in imitation of the learned-looking but misguided Latin spelling anchora.=> angle, ankle
- anchor (n.)
- Old English ancor, borrowed 9c. from Latin ancora "anchor," from or cognate with Greek ankyra "anchor, hook" (see ankle). A very early borrowing and said to be the only Latin nautical term used in the Germanic languages. The -ch- form emerged late 16c., a pedantic imitation of a corrupt spelling of the Latin word. The figurative sense of "that which gives stability or security" is from late 14c. Meaning "host or presenter of a TV or radio program" is from 1965, short for anchorman.
- anchor (v.)
- c. 1200, from anchor (n.). Related: Anchored; anchoring.
Example
- 1. Austerity is corroding this anchor .
- 2. The second and even weightier anchor has been the lure of eu membership .
- 3. Weeping rusticles , a 15-ton anchor hangs from the port side of the ship .
- 4. Others create their own rituals to anchor the week .
- 5. The news anchor is being dragged off his moorings .