underpin

Verb

Verb Forms: underpinned, underpinning, underpins

• To support a structure from below; to strengthen or confirm.
• support from beneath
• support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm
• To support from below with props or masonry.
• To give support to; to form a basis of; to corroborate.

Examples

• He used a two-letter word to underpin his long, strategic play in Words With Friends.
• Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.
• You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.

Synonyms

bear out, corroborate, support, underlie