anchorage
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a safe area in a harbor or sea where a ship can drop its anchor.
a designated area, such as a harbor or offshore zone, suitable for a vessel to lie at anchor.
Simple“The captain looked for a safe anchorage to wait out the storm.”
In context“The bay provides an excellent natural anchorage, protected from the prevailing winds by a high ridge of coastal cliffs.”
UsageOften used with 'safe' or 'secure'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
something that gives you a feeling of safety or stability.
a person, thing, or idea that provides a reliable basis for security or emotional stability.
Simple“For many people, their family is their main anchorage in a changing world.”
In context“In times of economic upheaval, gold has traditionally served as a financial anchorage for cautious investors.”
Teacher's tipThis is a metaphorical extension of the nautical sense; it implies being 'held' safely in place.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a way to fix a part of the body in place during surgery.
the surgical fixation of an organ or the use of a stable point to move teeth in orthodontics.
Simple“The surgeon used a special technique for the anchorage of the displaced organ.”
In context“Orthodontic treatment often requires skeletal anchorage to ensure that specific teeth move without affecting the position of others.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
the largest city in the U.S. state of Alaska.
the most populous city in Alaska, serving as a major transport and commercial hub.
Simple“We flew into Anchorage before starting our hiking trip through the national park.”
In context“Anchorage serves as a critical node for international air cargo due to its strategic location between North America and Asia.”
A proprialization from anchorage, in reference to Captain Cook's anchoring there during his third voyage; for more, see Wikipedia at History of Anchorage, Alaska.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.