a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
"The heavy iron anchor was dropped into the deep water to keep the ship stationary during the storm."
a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute
"The evening news anchor introduced reports from our correspondents around the world before signing off."
A tool used to moor a vessel to the bottom of a sea or river to resist movement.
"The archaic spelling anchor appears in old maritime documents as a variant of anker."
Alternative form of anker
In plain English: An anchor is something that holds an object firmly in place so it does not move away.
"The storm caused our boat to lose its anchor and drift away from shore."
Usage: As a noun, an anchor is specifically the heavy metal device dropped into water to secure a vessel against drifting; do not confuse it with other mooring equipment like chains or cables that attach to it. When used as a verb, you are actively dropping this tool to hold your boat in place rather than simply tying up alongside another ship.
To connect an object, especially a ship or a boat, to a fixed point.
"The captain ordered the crew to drop anchor so the ship could stay safely in the harbor during the storm."
In plain English: To anchor something is to hold it firmly in place so that it does not move easily.
"The heavy chain anchored the boat securely against the stormy waves."
A male given name.
"The new anchor on our evening news program is named Anchor."
The word "anchor" comes from Old English ancor, which was borrowed from the Latin ancora. It likely shares a common origin with the Ancient Greek word ánkura.