Language Research

anchor · noun C

/ˈæŋ.kər/Full view

anchor (BOAT)

C2 a heavy, metal object that is dropped into water to stop a boat from moving

Dictionary example:

We dropped anchor in a quiet bay and swam.

Learner example:

Meanwhile, the captain had set the anchor. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

anchor (SUPPORT)

C2 someone or something that gives support when needed

Dictionary example:

She was my anchor when things were difficult for me.

Learner example:

Yet she had still been fond of his picture, he was her anchor. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

anchor (JOB)

C2 the person who reports the news and manages reports by others on a television or radio program

Dictionary example:

She was interviewed by the anchor of the CBS Evening News.

Learner example:

This new form of expression is already shaping our lives, as recently seen in the U.S., where a major news anchor was fined due to findings published in a blog. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

anchor · verb

/ˈæŋ.kər/

anchor (BOAT)

C2 to stop a boat from moving by dropping a heavy metal object into the water

Learner example:

Every night we used to anchor [i]n different bays to spend the night. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Turkish)

anchor (FASTEN)

C2 to make something or someone stay in one position by fastening them firmly

Dictionary example:

We anchored ourselves to the rocks with a rope.

Learner example:

It was stronger, much more intense than text or video footage could ever be, for this unmoving image, having been anchored in space and time, solidified its content so as to have an almost physical impact on the viewer. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)