Dictionary.com
definitions

underpin

[uhn-der-pin]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR underpin ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), un·der·pinned, un·der·pin·ning.

to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.
to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).
to furnish a foundation for; corroborate: The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

RELATED CONTENT

plasticityFind new words to share every day with Dictionary.com's Word of the Day. Discover the definition, pronunciation, and origin of uncommon words plus more!
READ MORE
vade mecumFind new words to share every day with Dictionary.com's Word of the Day. Discover the definition, pronunciation, and origin of uncommon words plus more!
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

locate, plant, derive, depend, root, predicate, rest, stay, hinge, build, station, construct, found, prop, establish, ground

Nearby words

  1. underpants,
  2. underpart,
  3. underpass,
  4. underpay,
  5. underperform,
  6. underpinning,
  7. underpinnings,
  8. underpitch vault,
  9. underplant,
  10. underplay

Origin of underpin

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for underpin

British Dictionary definitions for underpin

underpin

verb -pins, -pinning or -pinned (tr)

to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructureto underpin a wall
to give corroboration, strength, or support to
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
Word Origin and History for underpin

underpin

v.

1520s (figurative); 1530s (literal), from under + pin (v.). Related: Underpinned; underpinning.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper