undergird

[ uhn-der-gurd ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·gird·ed or un·der·girt, un·der·gird·ing.

1. to strengthen; secure, as by passing a rope or chain under and around:

   to undergird a top-heavy load.

2. to give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis:

   ethics undergirded by faith.

undergird

/ ˌʌndəˈɡɜːd /

verb

1. tr to strengthen or reinforce by passing a rope, cable, or chain around the underside of (an object, load, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergird¹

First recorded in 1520–30; under- + gird ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergird¹

C16: from under- + gird ¹

Example Sentences

The premise undergirding the campaign was that lazy, childish men should be the leaders of society, not just despite but because they won't do the work to earn it.

From Salon

Kids stay up late, ice cream becomes a food group and people are out and about, undergirded by an unspoken permission to meander through the days.

From Los Angeles Times

A dependence on government handouts, according to the theory, undergirds this culture.

From Salon

Bright, shiny amusement needs to be anchored to the ground too, and Chung’s attention to Edgar-Jones’ quietly powerful performance offers a surprisingly emotional undergirding to this popcorn flick.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course there is, but it begins with the humble recognition that the attitudes that undergird populism emerged over decades and now span the globe.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bolster
• hold
• reinforce
• uphold