underpin
verbUK /ˌʌn.dəˈpɪn/ · CA, US /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
Etymology From under- + pin.
1
To support from below with props or masonry.
- You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
2
Figuratively To give support to; to form a basis of; to corroborate.
- Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.
- Since Rupert Murdoch famously bet the farm on Premier League football to rescue Sky TV in 1991, it has been the catnip that has underpinned subscriber loyalty and, even in a far more complicated media landscape, is seen as so vital as to be worth almost any price.2016 October 24, Owen Gibson, “Is the unthinkable happening – are people finally switching the football off?”, in The Guardian, London:
1 more example
- The operator said the results were underpinned by a 16% increase in Q3 sales from North America.2019 November 6, “Eurostar reports another increase in passengers”, in Rail, page 25:
- Derived terms
- underpinner