anchor

an|chor¹ [ˈæŋkə US -ər] n

[Date: 800-900; : Latin; Origin: anchora, from Greek ankyra]

1.) a piece of heavy metal that is lowered to the bottom of the sea, lake etc to prevent a ship or boat moving

at anchor

▪ The ship was at anchor.

▪ We dropped anchor a few yards offshore.

▪ The next morning, they weighed anchor (=lifted the anchor) and began to move south again.

2.) especially American English someone who reads the news on TV and introduces news reports

British Equivalent: newsreader

▪ Dan Rather, anchor of the CBC Evening News

3.) someone or something that provides a feeling of support and safety

▪ Dad was the anchor of the family.

anchor ²

anchor² v

1.) [I and T]

to lower the anchor on a ship or boat to hold it in one place

= ↑moor

▪ Three tankers were anchored in the harbor.

2.) [T usually passive]

to fasten something firmly so that it cannot move

▪ The shelves should be securely anchored to the wall.

3.) be anchored in sth

to be strongly connected with a particular system, way of life etc

▪ John's outlook has always been anchored in the political mainstream.

4.) [T]

to provide a feeling of support, safety or help for someone or an organization

▪ Steve anchors the team's defense.

▪ Her life was anchored by her religion.

5.) [T] American English to be the person who reads the news and introduces reports on television

▪ Collins anchors the 6 o'clock news.