Standard Lemma guide

undergird

verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To strengthen, secure, or reinforce by passing a rope, cable, or chain around the underside of an object.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis; provide supportive evidence for.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To lend moral support to.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To secure below or underneath.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

make secure underneath

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • undergird the ship

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: brace up

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: strengthen, beef up, fortify

6

verb

Meaning 6

lend moral support to

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: support, back up

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h1én Proto-Indo-European *h1entér Proto-Indo-European *(H)n̥dhí Proto-Indo-European *-ér Proto-Indo-European *(H)n̥dhér Proto-Germanic *under Proto-West Germanic *undar Old English under- Middle English under- English under- English gird English undergird From under- + gird.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: podporovat — provide supportive evidence for
  • Czech: podpořit — provide supportive evidence for
  • Norwegian: understøtte — provide supportive evidence for
  • Czech: podpořit — lend moral support to
  • German: unterfüttern — lend moral support to
  • Norwegian: backe opp — lend moral support to
  • Norwegian: oppbacke — lend moral support to
  • Norwegian: støtte opp under — secure below, underneath