underpin

Etymology

under- + pin.

verb

  1. (transitive) To support from below with props or masonry.
    You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
  2. (transitive, figurative) To give support to; to corroborate.
    Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.
    Since Rupert Murdoch famously bet the farm on Premier League football to rescue Sky TV in 1991, it has been the catnip that has underpinned subscriber loyalty and, even in a far more complicated media landscape, is seen as so vital as to be worth almost any price. 24 October 2016, Owen Gibson, “Is the unthinkable happening – are people finally switching the football off?”, in The Guardian, London
    The operator said the results were underpinned by a 16% increase in Q3 sales from North America. November 6 2019, “Eurostar reports another increase in passengers”, in Rail, page 25

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