underpin
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
1.
support (a building or structure) from below by laying a solid foundation below ground level or by substituting stronger foundations for weak ones
:
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The old house needed to be underpinned to prevent it from collapsing.
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Engineers are working to underpin the bridge's weakened supports.
2.
provide a basis of support for (a theory, argument, or belief)
:
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The research findings underpin the new policy recommendations.
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His entire argument was underpinned by a flawed assumption.