underpin

US /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈpɪn/
"underpin" picture
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.