anchor

(noun) a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving. Synonyms: ground tackle.

(noun) a central cohesive source of support and stability. Synonyms: mainstay, keystone, backbone, linchpin, lynchpin. Examples: "Faith is his anchor." "The keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money." "He is the linchpin of this firm."

(noun) a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute. Synonyms: anchorman, anchorperson.

(verb) fix firmly and stably. Synonyms: ground. Examples: "Anchor the lamppost in concrete."

(verb) secure a vessel with an anchor. Synonyms: cast anchor, drop anchor. Examples: "We anchored at baltimore."