underpin

[uhn-der-pin]

verb (used with object)

underpinned, underpinning 

1. to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.

2. to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).

3. to furnish a foundation for; corroborate.

   The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

underpin

/ ˌʌndəˈpɪn /

verb

1. to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructure

   to underpin a wall

2. to give corroboration, strength, or support to

Word History and Origins

Origin of underpin¹

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

Example Sentences

Amazon has embedded itself within the very fabric of cloud-based computing, the infrastructure that underpins the delivery of the IT systems which are so much a part of all our lives.

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The visible transformation of economic capital Abidjan is an undeniable factor set to underpin support for the incumbent.

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This process basically underpins the way we use the internet, and disruptions to it can leave web browsers unable to locate the content they are looking for.

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The AWS infrastructure underpins millions of websites and platforms, providing cloud-computing services such as servers, computing power and storage to the world’s biggest companies.

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"Again, it goes back to that nationalist project that underpins communism in China, to ensure it never again is dominated by foreign countries".

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