underpin

[ uhn-der-pin ]

/ ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /

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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.

Nearby words

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 underpinned

He has underpinned his future program by winning from NASA a 20-year lease on the legendary launch pad 39A at Cape Canaveral.
Tycoons in Space: One in Orbit and One Still Grounded|Clive Irving|October 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The problem here is that this exchange is underpinned by some fundamental misunderstandings.
Your Kid's Dyslexia Diagnosis Is B.S.|Julian Elliot|April 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The 1990s stock market bubble had just burst along with the collapse of telecom spending that had underpinned it.
Al Qaeda’s Failure on Wall Street|Zachary Karabell|September 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST
After all, the rigid dogmas that once underpinned the conflict have long since been binned.
Ireland's Big Breakthrough|Niall Stanage|February 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Such instruments can be put in place now but must be underpinned and reinforced by a global agreement on climate change.
Now Is the Best Chance for a Climate Deal|Tony Blair, Nicholas Stern|September 22, 2009|DAILY BEAST
During the latter part of the time its aisle walls were underpinned.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Rochester|G. H. Palmer
The foundation of the south side of the Choir and the south-eastern Transept have been underpinned and thoroughly repaired.
Ely Cathedral|Anonymous
Religious laws made for their own government, which underpinned their social life, were rarely meddled with.
The Jews of Barnow|Karl Emil Franzos

British Dictionary definitions for underpinned

underpin

/ (ˌʌndəˈpɪn) /

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 underpinned