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

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

For many Americans, the 138-year-old technology of cars is synonymous with freedom, even though American drivers don’t realize the high subsidies that undergird car culture.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Love will envelop and undergird and pervade and exude from all service.

From Quiet Talks on Power by Gordon, S. D. (Samuel Dickey)

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