underpin
[uhn-der-pin]
- 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.
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Origin of underpin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for underpinned
Contemporary Examples
He has underpinned his future program by winning from NASA a 20-year lease on the legendary launch pad 39A at Cape Canaveral.
The problem here is that this exchange is underpinned by some fundamental misunderstandings.
The 1990s stock market bubble had just burst along with the collapse of telecom spending that had underpinned it.
After all, the rigid dogmas that once underpinned the conflict have long since been binned.
Such instruments can be put in place now but must be underpinned and reinforced by a global agreement on climate change.
Historical Examples
Religious laws made for their own government, which underpinned their social life, were rarely meddled with.
The Jews of BarnowKarl Emil Franzos
During the latter part of the time its aisle walls were underpinned.
The foundation of the south side of the Choir and the south-eastern Transept have been underpinned and thoroughly repaired.
Ely CathedralAnonymous
underpin
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for underpinned
underpin
v.
1520s (figurative); 1530s (literal), from under + pin (v.). Related: Underpinned; underpinning.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper