Nearby Words

underpin

[uhn-der-pin]

un·der·pin

[uhn-der-pin]
verb (used with object), -pinned, -pin·ning.
1.
to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.
2.
to replace or strengthen the foundation of (a building or the like).
3.
to furnish a foundation for; corroborate: The author's conclusions are underpinned by references to experimental findings.

Origin:
1515–25; under- + pin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Underpin is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
to spend time idly; loaf.
to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.
Collins
World English Dictionary
underpin (ˌʌndəˈpɪn)
 
vb , -pins, -pinning, -pinned
1.  to support from beneath, esp by a prop, while avoiding damaging or weakening the superstructure: to underpin a wall
2.  to give corroboration, strength, or support to

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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