underpin

American  

[uhn-der-pin] / ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /

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.

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underpin British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of underpin

First recorded in 1515–25; under- + pin

Example Sentences

“It is making investors question the fundamental underpinning of the profitability of a lot of industries.”

From The Wall Street Journal

But before building ever-faster defensive agents, we must address a deeper vulnerability: Much of the software underpinning critical systems today is poorly understood by its own operators.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is credited as one of the leaders who helped launch the major infrastructure that underpins the behemoth network of Amazon Web Services data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The network also underpins the fan experience, from ticketing and stadium maps, to cashless payments for drinks, food and merchandise.

From BBC

"We're focused now on this area as literally a hot spot for the interaction that underpins at least one component of the disease."

From Science Daily