Synonyms

undergird

American

[uhn-der-gurd] / ˌʌn dərˈgɜrd /

verb (used with object)

undergirded, undergirt, undergirding

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

to undergird a top-heavy load.
to give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis.

ethics undergirded by faith.

undergird British

/ ˌʌndəˈɡɜːd /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of undergird

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Insider-trading rules backed by criminal penalties undergird confident stock trading.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

We try and understand the meaning systems that undergird whatever group we’re studying.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

Both sides point to the absence of previous prosecutions to undergird their arguments.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

Aquilino said the AI can undergird U.S. military “decision superiority:” dominance in the tactical decision-making process to maintain advantages over potential enemies.

From Washington Times • Dec. 3, 2023

Multiplied to infinity, choices no longer undergird values, but options that are equally mediocre.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023