anchor

anchor [aŋ′kər]

n.

[ME anker < OE ancor < L anc(h)ora < Gr ankyra, an anchor, hook < IE base * ank-, to bend > ANKLE]

1. a heavy object, usually a shaped iron weight with flukes, lowered by cable or chain to the bottom of a body of water to keep a vessel from drifting

2. any device that holds something else secure

3. anything that gives or seems to give stability or security

4. a person who anchors a team, newscast, etc.

adj.

designating the final leg, or stage, of a relay race

vt.

1. to keep from drifting, giving way, etc., by or as by an anchor

2. to serve as the end person for (a tug-of-war team)

3. to serve as the final contestant for (a relay team, bowling team, etc.)

4. Radio TV to serve as coordinator of the various reports and as chief reporter for (a newscast)

vi.

1. to lower the anchor overboard so as to keep from drifting

2. to be or become fixed

——————

at anchor

anchored

——————

drop anchor or cast anchor

1. to lower the anchor overboard

2. to stay or settle (in a place)

——————

drag anchor

1. to drift because of the failure of the anchor to hold

2. to lose ground; slip or fail

——————

ride at anchor

to be anchored: said of ships

——————

weigh anchor

1. to hoist a ship's anchor off the bottom preparatory to sailing

2. to leave; go away