anchor anchor /ˈæŋkər/

noun

1. () A mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving  ( ground tackle , anchor )
   a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
    The ship's anchor was dropped to keep it from drifting away
   The ship's anchor was dropped to keep it from drifting away
   
   
2. () A central cohesive source of support and stability  ( keystone , linchpin , lynchpin , anchor , backbone , mainstay )
   a central cohesive source of support and stability
    Faith is his anchor
   faith is his anchor
    The keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money
   the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money
    He is the linchpin of this firm
   he is the linchpin of this firm
   
3. A television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute  ( anchor , anchorman , anchorperson )
   a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute
   
   

verb

1. () Secure a vessel with an anchor  ( cast anchor , drop anchor , anchor )
   secure a vessel with an anchor
    We anchored at Baltimore
   We anchored at Baltimore
   
2. () Fix firmly and stably  ( ground , anchor )
   fix firmly and stably
    Anchor the lamppost in concrete
   anchor the lamppost in concrete