underpin
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/

1.
reforzar, apuntalar
support (a building or structure) from below by laying a solid foundation below ground level or by substituting stronger foundations for weak ones
:
•
The old house needed to be underpinned to prevent it from collapsing.
La casa antigua necesitaba ser reforzada para evitar que se derrumbara.
•
Engineers are working to underpin the bridge's weakened supports.
Los ingenieros están trabajando para reforzar los soportes debilitados del puente.
2.
sustentar, fundamentar
provide a basis of support for (a theory, argument, or belief)
:
•
The research findings underpin the new policy recommendations.
Los hallazgos de la investigación sustentan las nuevas recomendaciones de política.
•
His entire argument was underpinned by a flawed assumption.
Todo su argumento estaba sustentado por una suposición errónea.