<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>any of various devices dropped by a chain, cable, or rope to the bottom of a body of water for preventing or restricting the motion of a vessel or other floating object, typically having broad, hooklike arms that bury themselves in the bottom to provide a firm hold.</li><li>any similar device for holding fast or checking motion: an anchor of stones.</li><li>any device for securing a suspension or cantilever bridge at either end.</li><li>any of various devices, as a metal tie, for binding one part of a structure to another.</li><li>a person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability, or security; mainstay: Hope was his only anchor.</li><li>(Radio and Television) a person who is the main broadcaster on a program of news, sports, etc., and who usually also serves as coordinator of all participating broadcasters during the program; anchorman or anchorwoman; anchorperson.</li><li>(Television) a program that attracts many viewers who are likely to stay tuned to the network for the programs that follow.</li><li>(Also called anchor store) a well-known store, especially a department store, that attracts customers to the shopping center in which it is located.</li><li>(Slang) automotive brakes.</li><li>(Military) a key position in defense lines.</li><li>(Also Sports) the person on a team, especially a relay team, who competes last.</li><li>the person farthest to the rear on a tug-of-war team.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to hold fast by an anchor.</li><li>to fix or fasten; affix firmly: The button was anchored to the cloth with heavy thread.</li><li>to act or serve as an anchor for: He anchored the evening news.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to drop anchor; lie or ride at anchor: The ship anchored at dawn.</li><li>to keep hold or be firmly fixed: The insect anchored fast to its prey.</li><li>(Sports, Radio and Television) to act or serve as an anchor.</li></ul>