a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation

anchor around someone's neck, drop anchor, weighed down like an anchor

weigh anchor, cast anchor, ride at anchor

Formal and Informal Expressions of anchor

In different contexts, you can replace 'anchor' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'mooring, fastener, security' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'mainstay, pillar' is a commonplace synonym.

anchor: Explore its Definition & Usage

anchor Definition

1a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom
2a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation

Using anchor: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anchor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The ship dropped anchor in the harbor.
Example
The news anchor reported on the latest developments.
Example
She is the anchor of the team, always providing stability and leadership.

anchor Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for anchor

Antonyms for anchor

Idioms Using anchor

anchor around someone's neck
something that is a burden or hindrance to someone
Example
His gambling addiction became an anchor around his neck, causing him to lose everything.
drop anchor
to come to a stop or rest
Example
After a long day of hiking, we finally found a spot to drop anchor and rest for the night.
weighed down like an anchor
feeling burdened or weighed down by something
Example
After the breakup, she felt weighed down like an anchor and couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness.

Phrases with anchor

weigh anchor
to raise the anchor of a ship in preparation for departure
Example
The captain ordered the crew to weigh anchor and set sail.
cast anchor
to drop anchor and secure a ship in a particular location
Example
We cast anchor in a secluded cove and spent the night there.
ride at anchor
to be anchored in a particular location
Example
The ship rode at anchor in the bay for several days.

Origins of anchor

from Old English 'ancor', from Latin 'anchora', from Greek 'ankura'

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Summary: anchor in Brief

An 'anchor' [ˈæŋkər] is a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom. It can also refer to a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation, as in 'She is the anchor of the team.' Phrases like 'weigh anchor' and 'cast anchor' describe the actions of raising or dropping an anchor, while idioms like 'anchor around someone's neck' and 'weighed down like an anchor' use 'anchor' to denote a burden or hindrance.