anchor
UK[ˈæŋkə(r)]US[ˈæŋkər]
n
a heavy device, usually made of metal, attached to a boat or ship by a rope or chain and dropped into the water to keep the vessel in one place
n
a person or thing that provides stability, confidence, or the main focus for something
v
to fix something firmly in position so it cannot move
v
to present or be the main broadcaster or host of a television or radio program
Etymology
the word 'anchor' entered english from the old english 'ancor', which itself was borrowed from the latin 'anchora'. the latin term has its origins in the greek 'ankyra'. the greek word is thought to be of pre-greek, possibly non-indo-european, origin, reflecting the ancient maritime technology of the mediterranean. the core concept of a heavy object used to secure a vessel has remained remarkably consistent for millennia. from this concrete nautical meaning, the word developed metaphorical extensions, such as a source of stability or a central figure in a broadcast, illustrating how a fundamental tool evolved into a versatile symbol of security and focus.
Analysis
the word 'anchor' is a simplex loanword from latin via old english. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.
Examples
the ship dropped anchor in the sheltered bay.
she has been the emotional anchor for her family during the crisis.
he will anchor the evening news broadcast for the next week.